Louise Martin has been elected president of the Commonwealth Games Federation, unseating Prince Imran of Malaysia to become the first woman to hold the position.
As revealed by HOST CITY in March, Martin built her successful campaign on deepening the CGF’s engagement with member associations and potential host cities.
Her manifesto, launched in August, also pledged to increase CGF revenues with the signing of at least four headline sponsors. The CGF had reported a loss of more than GB£3 million in the financial year ending 31st March 2015.
The outcome of the election was far from predictable, although Martin’s pivotal role in bidding for and delivering the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games was a major advantage.
Martin served as CGF honorary secretary for four terms and is also chair of Sportscotland.
Martin is to speak at HOST CITY 2015, the leading meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events, in Glasgow on 9th and 10th November.
Prince Imran served one term as CGF president and many onlookers expected him to remain in post, despite his controversial attempt to move the organisation’s headquarters to Kuala Lumpur.
“Now is the time to ensure progress is delivered in an open and transparent way and that the views of the CGAs are fully reflected in the running of the CGF,” Martin said.
“I believe that the time is right for a new style of leadership to ensure that together we can fully unlock our potential and deliver on the needs of CGAs and our wider partners, especially in terms of maximising commercial opportunities. If we get this right, we can deliver enhanced revenues to support every CGA as well as Commonwealth sports development through greater investment.
“There is also much more we can do to grow the profile of our great sporting Movement across the world to ensure that its unique identity is valued and our Games attract the best Commonwealth athletes, sponsors and, critically, future host cities. As someone with a proven track record of collaboration and delivery, as well as dedication and passion for our Movement, I believe I am the right person to guide the CGF through the next stage of its Commonwealth journey and unlock the immense potential of our unique sporting Movement.”
The election took place at the CGF General Assembly, where Durban was confirmed as the host city of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Tag: Commonwealth Games
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Louise Martin elected Commonwealth Games Federation president
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David Grevemberg awarded CBE as Host City 2015 opens
The Commonwealth Games Federation’s Chief Executive Officer, and former Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014 Ltd., David Grevemberg, has been appointed by Her Majesty The Queen as an honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE).
The announcement was made by the Commonwealth Games Federation on Monday morning, just before Grevemberg spoke on the opening panel discussion of Host City 2015 conference in Glasgow.
The honour is conferred in recognition of services to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
In a statement issued on Monday morning – just before his arrival at Host City 2015 – Grevemberg said: “The XX Commonwealth Games were a defining moment for Glasgow, Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Movement.
“Whilst it is incredibly humbling to be recognised for my contribution, the successes and impacts of the Games were only made possible by the hard work and support of our partners, participants, staff and citizens.
“I would like to thank Her Majesty for this honour, and look forward to an inspiring, impactful future for the Commonwealth Games Movement, a powerful symbol of the flourishing, modern Commonwealth and its citizens”.
David Grevemberg CBE spoke on the opening panel discussion of Host City 2015 conference on the subject of “How Events and Cities Innovate to Thrive”.
Commonwealth Games Federation President, Louise Martin CBE also spoke at Host City 2015.
“This special honour is testimony to the success and continued legacy of the Best Games Ever, as Glasgow and its people delivered one of the standout performances in Commonwealth sporting history,” she said in the CGF statement.
“I congratulate David on this honour, as we reflect on many happy memories of the Games and move forward with our ambitious plans to deliver Transformation 2022 with our members and stakeholders”.
Born in 1972 in Louisiana, USA, David was a former wrestler, coach and administrator, before taking up post in 1999 as Executive Director of Sport and International Federation Relations at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), headquartered in Bonn, Germany.
He moved to Scotland to lead the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee in 2009 and still lives near Glasgow with his family. He joined the Commonwealth Games Federation as Chief Executive in November 2014.
The honour is a recognition of the transformational power of Commonwealth sport and its recent positive impact on Glasgow.
Speaking about last year’s HOST CITY conference, Grevemberg said: “I found it enlightening. The calibre of people that attended and spoke was excellent; it was excellent to meet so many experts with a shared perspective and passion and belief that the hosting of major events is a force for good.”
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Commonwealth Games partners with ICSS to promote good governance
With sports bodies under mounting pressure to show good governance, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is working with International Centre for Sport Security Europe (ICSS EUROPE) in a new partnership to help promote the highest standards of good governance, transparency and integrity in sport.
The CGF will also work with ICSS EUROPE as it looks to help encourage the development of a global independent, neutral, multi-stakeholder integrity alliance for sport.
“As a values-driven movement connecting athletes and communities across the Commonwealth, we are proud to be a leading voice in the drive to protect, promote and safeguard sport and look forward to a successful collaboration with ICSS EUROPE and its partners,” said David Grevemberg CBE, Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation.
“Good governance and strategic partnerships are key pillars of Transformation 2022, and today’s announcement amplifies our responsibility and commitment to use Commonwealth sport to build peaceful, sustainable and prosperous communities globally.”
Athletics is one of the most popular sports at the Commonwealth Games but it is currently battling with mounting evidence of widespread organised doping.
“The mounting and complex challenges to the integrity of sport are more apparent than ever,” said Mohammed Hanzab, Founder and President of the ICSS.
“On behalf of the ICSS, I would like to thank the Commonwealth Games Federation for its commitment to safeguarding sport and look forward to advancing efforts with them to address the very real challenges sport now faces to its integrity and credibility.”
The agreement was signed at a reception in the UK House of Commons with key stakeholders from sport, business and government.
“Recent events have shown that there is a real and urgent need for a new approach to the integrity and governance of sport. What is also clear is that this new approach must be credible, coordinated, holistic and global.” said Dr Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, CEO of ICSS EUROPE.
“This agreement with the Commonwealth Games Federation demonstrates a growing momentum developing across a range of sectors to protect and safeguard sport integrity. It also represents a unique opportunity for ICSS EUROPE and CGF to make a real difference to sport across the Commonwealth, as well as advance ongoing discussions with key stakeholders about establishing an independent sport integrity global alliance.”
ICSS EUROPE will also independently audit the CGF’s governance model and assist with the development of a code of conduct on sports betting and integrity to maintain the Commonwealth Games body’s position as a global leader in the field of sports policy, governance and integrity.
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EventScotland: helping bring legacy to life
Next year Glasgow will once again take centre stage and make history when it hosts the inaugural 2018 European Championships in partnership with Berlin.
The opportunity to host this exciting multi-sport event for the first time is a direct legacy of Scotland hosting the XX Commonwealth Games and The 2014 Ryder Cup.
We knew heading into these two landmark events that we had a unique opportunity to establish Scotland as the perfect stage for events. The planning, delivery and ultimately successes of 2014 gave us the springboard to establish Scotland as a world leading international events destination.
The facilities and expertise gained from both of these events, along with the events Scotland has hosted since, will now play a crucial role in the successful delivery of next year’s event. Six of the seven sports – Aquatics, Cycling, Golf, Gymnastics, Rowing, and Triathlon – will be in Glasgow and Scotland while Berlin will host the Athletics.
The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome at Emirates Arena, The SSE Hydro, Tollcross International Swimming Centre and Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike Trails are just some of the venues to make a return, while a new World Championship and Olympic standard BMX track will be built in the city, providing future opportunities for major events as well as grassroots development for the sport. A few of the sports will head out of city. Edinburgh’s Royal Commonwealth Pool will host the Diving and the Open Water Swim will take place at the picturesque Loch Lomond, while Rowing and Triathlon will take place in Strathclyde Country Park.
For spectators and athletes alike, the Glasgow 2018 European Championships will create a new highlight on the international sporting calendar. It creates the opportunity for us to reach beyond the dedicated fans of the individual sports and to connect to a much broader audience, just as we saw through the legacy of the XX Commonwealth Games. It is a chance for sports to use Glasgow 2018 as a shop window to connect with people beyond the event and with some of our biggest participation sports taking part, it again allows us to inspire more people to take part in sport, get involved in coaching and establish more teams and places within sports clubs.
The success of and the legacies from the XX Commonwealth Games and The 2014 Ryder Cup have been the catalysts for Scotland’s winning bids to stage internationally significant events in recent times. They set the bar by which Scottish events are judged. Glasgow 2018 will build on this and help create a legacy going into the two major events taking place in 2019.
As the sporting capital of Scotland, Glasgow will again play host to some of the world’s best athletes’ as it hosts the 2019 European Athletics Indoor Championships, while at Gleneagles – which will also host the golf event for Glasgow 2018 – the magic of The 2014 Ryder Cup will be recreated when it welcomes the women’s equivalent, The 2019 Solheim Cup.
Just like the XX Commonwealth Games and The 2014 Ryder Cup, the images from the 2018 Glasgow European Championships will define Scotland and it is the far-reaching legacies of these occasions that will continue to define Scotland’s event industry.
Coupled with our stunning natural environment, outstanding build facilities, rich culture and heritage and passionate people, Scotland’s capability, credibility, capacity and confidence to deliver innovative and pioneering events will see us maintain our position amongst global elite event destinations.
At EventScotland we are proud of our role in bringing the legacy to life by identifying, developing and utilising Scotland’s unique selling points to bring the world’s best events to our shores. -
No decision from Edmonton over new 2022 Commonwealth Games bid
Although it was originally one of the primary candidates to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the Canadian city of Edmonton has yet to decide if it will launch a new bid.
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has again opened up the bidding process after Durban was stripped of the event and its CEO David Grevemberg revealed that prospective host cities have until April 28 to submit interest in replacing Durban.
Edmonton withdrew from the first bid process in 2015 to leave Durban as the sole candidate to go forward to CGF General Assembly for the 2022 games.
But speaking exclusively with Host City, Doug McLean, director of marketing at Edmonton Tourism, said no decision had yet been made if a new 2022 campaign will be launched.
McLean said: “We’re aware of what’s going on and looking at a lot of different situations, Commonwealth Games and others, but there’s nothing by any means confirmed that we would consider a bid at this point.
“We are certainly aware of the other cities and we will keep abreast of what’s happening.” -
Commonwealth Games Federation will make ‘swift decision’ on 2022 host
Following the decision to strip Durban of the 2022 games, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has revealed that it wants to name a replacement host city by the end of this year.
After being awarded the 2022 games in September 2015, it was decided in March this year that the South African city would not meet key criteria set out in the CGF bidding process.
Since that decision was made as many as nine candidate cities had expressed “some informal interest” after the CGF again opened up the bidding process.
Speaking to a select group of journalists at SportAccord Convention, CGF CEO David Grevemberg said that prospective host cities have until April 28 to submit interest in replacing Durban. Once that deadline has passed the CGF will begin evaluating each bid book.
“Nine cities have expressed some informal interest,” said Grevemberg. “We are now looking to make that process more formal.
“We have put out a clear call for interests by April 28. Then we will evaluate those submissions and go through a process. We are purposely agile because we need to move this as fast and furious as possible but we also need to have a timeline.
“Let’s see how many cities come forward. We don’t want cities to waste money through a laborious bid process. We want to be very streamlined in this approach and leverage as much value as we can for the new prospective hosts and federations.”
English cities Birmingham, Liverpool, London and Manchester have reportedly expressed interest in 2022 as well as speculation that Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur and cities in Canada could pose rival bids. Even a number of Australian cities could target 2022 despite the Gold Coast winning the rights to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Despite this, Grevemberg says that every bid will be assessed. He added: “There are no bids off the table right now, but we have to look at what’s the best interests for the movement, what are our real options and we just need to go through the process right now.
“I don’t want to be too speculative on any particular cities or decision because we have enough agility. The notion of extraordinary circumstances requires extraordinary process. We will continue to be vigilant and sticking to our principles on this process.
“We don’t take the expressions of interests for granted at all and we recognise we need to evaluate a partner and not just be an auditor in the process.”
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Team Liverpool launches bid for the Commonwealth Games
Liverpool has officially launched its bid to host the Commonwealth Games with former English Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick leading the English city’s campaign team.
The 62-year-old Liverpudlian Barwick – who is chair of the Rugby Football League (RFL), Super League Europe Ltd, the National League and a member of the FA Council – will spearhead ‘Team Liverpool’ and the city’s drive to secure the event in 2026, or 2022 should the UK host the Commonwealth Games following Durban’s recent withdrawal.
Team Liverpool will feature a group of sports business experts with an unparalleled track record in successfully bidding for major sporting events, including the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games and the FIFA World Cup.
Barwick said: “Having worked in and around sport most of my adult life, the chance to lead the work for my home city of Liverpool to host the Commonwealth Games is a huge privilege.
“I am delighted to be involved in this project and clear that Liverpool, with such an illustrious sports history, will make the perfect host city for the Commonwealth Games.
“I have already spent some time with the team and am very impressed with their enthusiasm and expertise.”
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson added: “I am delighted that Brian Barwick has accepted my invitation to chair the city’s bid to host the Commonwealth Games. He brings a wealth of experience both as a leader of some of the biggest sports organisations in the country and a successful career at the highest level in TV sport.
“Brian’s appointment, alongside a number of other highly respected advisors, sends out a powerful message that we are deadly serious about bidding for the games. We already have a first-class reputation in putting on major events during and since our time as European Capital of Culture in 2008.
“I firmly believe we have the passion, belief and the ability to win and deliver a Commonwealth Games that can make the whole country and the Commonwealth proud.
“The Commonwealth Games has the potential to be a game changer in further driving forward the city’s regeneration and renaissance, reflecting our growing confidence and attracting jobs, investment and profile that money simply can’t buy, putting us on the world map.
“The team of advisers now working with us is world class and over the coming months our priority is to put in place a compelling bid that will resonate with the Government, Commonwealth Games England and, ultimately, the Commonwealth Games Federation. These are exciting times for our city.”
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CGF teams up with Lagardère to deliver major events
[Source: Lagardère Sports and Entertainment] The Commonwealth Games Federation has unveiled an innovative new Games delivery model that will transform the impact and value of hosting the Commonwealth Games through the launch of a pioneering new partnership with Lagardère Sports, one of the world’s leading media, sports and entertainment agencies.
The CGF and Lagardère Sports have launched “CGF Partnerships”, a ground-breaking new partnership that will bring together both organisations under a new entity whose core focus is on improving the support for host nations and cities to enhance the overall value of hosting the Games. In particular, the Partnership will provide support to hosts through a new event delivery model; while also developing new long-term commercial strategies and further strengthening community relations in host cities.
The new joint venture – majority-controlled by the Commonwealth Games Federation – will be led by Lord Robert Smith of Kelvin, former Glasgow 2014 Chairman, who has been appointed as the first-ever CGF Partnerships Chair. In the first instance, CGF Partnerships has been contracted to support the delivery of the next three major Commonwealth Games cycles up to 2030, but with a view to the new partnership delivery model being the foundation behind all the CGF’s major sporting events in the future.
The Commonwealth Games has recently seen a huge wave of enthusiasm and interest from countries across the Commonwealth, with Australia, Canada, England and Malaysia all continuing to develop proposals for the renewed hosting opportunity of the 2022 Games. The Commonwealth Movement was also welcomed in carnival style in the Caribbean on Tuesday night as the VIth Commonwealth Youth Games burst into life at the Opening Ceremony in the Bahamas.
A key priority for CGF Partnerships is to reduce the cost and maximise the value of the Games for hosts. This will be achieved through an innovative new Games delivery model that will see dedicated CGF Partnerships delivery teams fully integrated with host city teams, providing enhanced support, knowledge and expertise on the delivery of the Games. Access to this embedded CGF Partnership resource will help improve efficiencies and event management throughout the entire life cycle of the Games – enabling Organising Committees to get off-the-ground faster and minimising set-up costs (in areas such as technology and sales); while also ensuring know-how, intelligence and experience is carried forward from Games to Games.
In addition, CGF Partnerships will develop new and long-term commercial revenue streams for host cities, Commonwealth Games Associations and the CGF through new sponsorship, broadcast and digital rights opportunities. While another key area of focus for the Partnership will be further strengthening the engagement between potential host cities and their communities to help expand the number and variety of bids across the Commonwealth.
Welcoming the announcement, CGF President Louise Martin CBE said:
“CGF Partnerships is a historic step-change in our organisation’s focus from oversight of quadrennial Games to a standout, values-driven movement striving to connect citizens and communities through sport.
“We passionately believe there is enormous untapped potential in the successful and sustainable delivery of our major sporting events – for athletes, for teams, for host cities, for organisers, for partners, for fans. This transformative new partnership builds on what makes us truly special: inspiring, impactful and inclusive sport with a purpose.”
Former Glasgow 2014 Chairman and newly-appointed Chair of CGF Partnerships Lord Robert Smith of Kelvin said:
“The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games was a truly memorable example of the power and potential of one Games in one City and I was honoured and proud to play my part in it as Chairman of the Organising Committee. I was delighted to be asked to pick up the Games baton once again and I am very pleased to support the CGF and its partners to deliver on its next phase of ambitious development and growth.”
Welcoming the launch of the Partnership, Lagardère Sports and Entertainment CEO, Andrew Georgiou, said:
“In recent years the CGF has been ahead of the game in modernising its thinking and approach to delivering major events. Our partnership with the Federation, through CGF Partnerships, is a continuation of that work and a formalisation of our valued relationship with the CGF which goes back many years.
“Through CGF Partnerships we aim to set the template and tone for how major sporting events, across all sports and geographies, should be delivered in the future – namely in a cost-efficient, sustainable but engaging and entertaining way.
“It’s a hugely exciting time to be involved with the Commonwealth Games.” -
CGF refreshes Transformation 2022 and launches Commonwealth Sport brand
At the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) General Assembly in Rwanda, the CGF launched Transformation 2022 Refresh, showcased the organisation’s rebrand as Commonwealth Sport and re-elected President Louise Martin DBE for a second four-year term.
Transformation 2022 is the Commonwealth Sport Movement’s Strategic Plan from 2015-2022. Refresh refers to the current period from 2019-2022 following the first four-year phase.
The plan follows detailed member consultation as part of the CGF’s Regional Meeting Programme which commenced following the conclusion of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
The refresh commits the movement to focusing on delivering inspirational sporting moments, nurturing a powerful sporting movement and activating transformational partnership.
It also establishes a new strategic priority focusing on the Movement’s ambition to ‘Realise Collective Impact’ – focused on athletes and sport for social change – a defining differentiator for the Commonwealth Sport Movement.
This aims to empower and equip athletes as agents of change and advocates for integrity; provide support and opportunities for CGAs; contribute to truth, reconciliation and relief programmes and strengthen the contribution of sport in Commonwealth Cities.
This new strategic priority also includes the future formation of the Commonwealth Sport Foundation.
Commonwealth Sport
The “Commonwealth Sport” brand was developed in close consultation with the 71 Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs).
It reflects a bold, forward looking approach that underpins the CGF’s values of Humanity, Equality and Destiny, the collective work of the six regions and the vision of the Movement.
It is a brand for the entire movement, created by RBL agency in the UK, and replaces the more internally-focused corporate identity, launched back in 2000.
CGF CEO David Grevemberg CBE said: “There really is no better place than Rwanda to strengthen and position Commonwealth Sport as a progressive leader in sport and social change, harnessing the power of sport as a catalyst to unleash our human potential and positively transform lives.
“The Transformation 2022 Refresh will ensure the Commonwealth Sports Movement is in the best possible position to capitalise on the opportunities and mitigate possible risks that lie ahead in a rapidly changing world.
“It is an important time to galvanise and drive the positive impact of sport on society which is why we have updated and launched an exciting new Commonwealth Sport Brand to keep pace with our ambition.
“This means we aren’t just unveiling a new logo and emblem but actually linking our narrative, positioning and meaning. It is about putting the emphasis back on our vision, our values and our athletes.”
President Louise Martin re-elected
Dame Louise Martin DBE was re-elected by delegates at the General Assembly four years after she took up the role in 2015, when she became the first female to hold this office.
She said: “Looking back over the last quadrennial, I am overwhelmed by a sense of pride from our collective achievements, at the endeavours of Commonwealth athletes, at the success of our flagship events and how we have adapted and responded to challenges as well as harnessed opportunities.
“Like all families, we are defined by people, how we treat and respect each other and how we work together.
“Let’s continue to deliver on the strategy outlined in the Transformation 2022 Refresh and enjoy this journey as through sport, we build peaceful, sustainable and prosperous communities across the Commonwealth.”
The General Assembly took place at the flagship Kigali Convention Centre with the event marking the ten-year anniversary of Rwanda joining the list of Commonwealth nations in 2009.
It was staged a year before the country hosts the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2020 with Commonwealth Secretary General the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC in attendance where she delivered a formal address to the Assembly.
Rwanda is the newest member of the Commonwealth and the second country (as well as Mozambique) in the Commonwealth without historic UK ties.
Dame Louise Martin DBE is speaking at Host City 2019, the largest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events -
Longines and CGF agree historic multi-Commonwealth Games partnership, as Birmingham 2022 Countdown Clock is revealed
[Source: CGF/Birmingham 2022] The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has signed a partnership agreement with Longines for the next three editions of the Commonwealth Games, starting with Birmingham 2022. The announcement comes on Commonwealth Day today (9 March), where Birmingham 2022 unveiled a Longines Countdown Clock in the heart of Birmingham’s iconic Centenary Square.
The agreement represents the first ever multi-Commonwealth Games partnership in history with Longines receiving exclusive status as the “Inaugural Partner of the Commonwealth Sport Movement”. Known worldwide for excellence in precision timing, Swiss watchmaker Longines will be the Official Partner and Timekeeper for Birmingham 2022 as well as the 2026 and 2030 Commonwealth Games. This new partnership sees Longines provide all timing and scoring equipment for every single event within the next three Commonwealth Games.
An additional aspect of the partnership means that Longines is also named as ‘Presenting Partner’ of rugby sevens, table tennis, gymnastics and athletics. The historic agreement reinforces the strong ties between Longines and the Commonwealth Games. Longines was originally a partner of the Perth 1962 Commonwealth Games and renewed its partnership for Glasgow 2014 and Gold Coast 2018.
The announcement comes on Commonwealth Day today (9 March), where the CGF, in partnership with Longines and Birmingham 2022, unveiled a Countdown Clock in Birmingham’s Centenary Square. The striking clock has begun counting down the days, hours, minutes and seconds to the start of the opening ceremony of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, on 27 July 2022.
The Longines Countdown Clock features a fully accessible ramped approach to allow both wheelchair users and non-wheelchair users to move freely under the structure. Manufactured in England, its structure forms the shape of the iconic ‘B’ logo of the Birmingham 2022 Games. This distinctive shape was created by connecting 12 towns and cities across the region, joining together key Games locations, where for the 11 days of the Commonwealth Games, 19 sports, including eight fully integrated para-sports, will take place.
CGF CEO David Grevemberg CBE said: “I am absolutely delighted and privileged to have Longines join with us as the Inaugural Partner of the Commonwealth Sport Movement. It marks an exciting new chapter in the longstanding friendship we have had with Longines that dates back to the Perth 1962 Commonwealth Games.”
“This is a truly historic agreement and having this multi-Commonwealth Games partnership in place showcases real confidence in the future direction of the Commonwealth Sport Movement. The partnership has been made possible because of the new Games delivery model, coordinated by CGF Partnerships, which looks at multi-Games opportunities and efficiencies.”
“It is particularly special to be announcing this on Commonwealth Day, a day of celebration across the Commonwealth, where we are unveiling the Longines Countdown Clock to the Birmingham 2022 Opening Ceremony. With this striking yet elegant structure now taking pride of place in the iconic Centenary Square, the countdown to Birmingham 2022 has really begun.”
Longines Vice President Marketing, Matthieu Baumgartner commented: “On this special day, Longines is very excited to announce its participation in the XXIInd Commonwealth Games, considered as one of the world’s most important sporting events.”
“With 870 days to go until the start of this great event, our brand is delighted to reveal a historic multi-Commonwealth Games partnership with CGF, covering the 2022, 2026 and 2030 editions.”
“We are extremely proud of our partnership with the Commonwealth Games, which extends all the way back to the 1962 Perth Commonwealth Games and more recently the 2014 Glasgow and 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.”
“Timing is crucial when it comes to winning a gold, silver or bronze medal. In this regard, Longines is looking forward to providing its timekeeping expertise in various disciplines, including Athletics (Track & Field), Gymnastics, Rugby Sevens and Table Tennis, the sports we are partnering with during the Commonwealth Games.”
“Our brand has a long history of innovation and precision in sports timekeeping, dating back to the late 19th century already. For the three next Commonwealth Games, starting with Birmingham 2022, Longines is perpetuating this history, together with athletes and sports fans from all over the world.”
John Crabtree, Chair of Birmingham 2022, said: “This marks a hugely significant day for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, as we build momentum and edge ever closer to July 2022.
“Longines has a prestigious history in sports, and great heritage when it comes to Commonwealth Games. To have their continued support for Birmingham in 2022 is very much welcomed and we are proud to have them as a partner.
“The countdown clock will become a key attraction and focal point and will ensure the people of Birmingham have a visual reminder that their city has been chosen to host one of the biggest sports and cultural events in the world. It will count down to an important moment when the eyes of the world will be on Birmingham and the West Midland region.”
Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “The Countdown Clock is an exciting contemporary addition to our diverse range of public art in the city.
Set in the recently revamped Centenary Square and in front of the world-renowned Library of Birmingham, it creates a fantastic Games-related city centre destination for citizens and visitors in the years to come as the excitement builds for everything we do as a council and with our partners on the road to Birmingham 2022.”