[mkdf_dropcaps type=”normal” color=”#f55549″ background_color=””]T[/mkdf_dropcaps]
he Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has launched the Commonwealth Sport Foundation, a charitable foundation aiming to address some of the challenges facing communities across the Commonwealth.

The foundation will focus on the key areas of youth empowerment, equal rights, historical injustice, small states and island states, and sustainable cities and communities.

CGF president, Dame Louise Martin, said the foundation will reposition the Commonwealth Games beyond a quadrennial sporting event to a wider movement benefiting communities through sport every day.

“There has never been a more important time to fully realise the potential and impact of Commonwealth Sport,” Martin said.

“Commonwealth citizens and communities are faced with urgent issues and challenges impacted by the COVID 19 pandemic, compounding longstanding or systemic issues relating to poverty, conflict, climate change, racial inequality, discrimination, economic uncertainty, health and wellbeing, education, the digital divide and post-colonial legacies.

“However, as we reflect on how far we have come since the very first Games in 1930, and our shared history, global and cultural diversity, I passionately believe we can be united by our common ambitions and collective impact, as well as our past.

“Through the Commonwealth Sport Foundation, inspired by our engaged athletes and communities, our aim is to shape a more peaceful, sustainable and prosperous future generations across the Commonwealth,” she said.

Commonwealth Games Australia CEO, Craig Phillips, said the foundation will provide the opportunity to develop projects that benefit communities throughout the Commonwealth.

“The 72 nations and territories of the Commonwealth face different and unique challenges, however we all share many of the goals of the Commonwealth Sport Foundation,” Phillips said.

“For Commonwealth Games Australia, youth empowerment, equal rights and redress of historical injustice align with our values of inclusiveness and respect and all components of our ‘First Among Equals’ strategic plan.

“Commonwealth Games Australia looks forward to working with the Commonwealth Sport Foundation on the delivery of projects across Australia and more broadly throughout the Oceania region, to help address these challenges,” he said.

The Commonwealth Sport Foundation is now formally registered as a charity in the UK, with recruitment underway for an independent board for the foundation.