Commonwealth Games Federation [CGF] Presidential candidate Louise Martin CBE has unveiled her election Manifesto and vision called 'Unlocking Our Potential.' Martin, who is a CGF Executive Board Member and Honorary Secretary, promises a new era of leadership in order to deliver enhanced revenues to all 71 Commonwealth Games Associations [CGAs] and grow the status and profile of the Games.
'Unlocking Our Potential' outlines how Martin will work collaboratively with all CGAs, International Federations, Organising Committees and other Commonwealth stakeholders to bring change to the Movement. Her Manifesto pledges include:
· Working with the executive team to secure a minimum of four CGF headline partners by 2018
· Protecting CGA Development Grants through the Host City Contract
· Establishing a Youth Games Trust to enable every CGA to participate in the Youth Games
· Helping CGAs to deliver their strategic plans through a bespoke CGF support programme
Martin, who was Vice Chair of the Organising Committee of Glasgow 2014, will also make it a priority to ensure that the best Commonwealth athletes want to compete in the Games, that they become strong advocates for the competition and that the CGF has a flagship event for which multiple countries want to bid.
Speaking about her candidacy, Louise said:
“I am delighted to unveil my Manifesto, “Unlocking Our Potential”, which outlines my vision for the Presidency of the Commonwealth Games Federation. From my earliest days competing as an athlete to my time serving the CGF Executive board, the Commonwealth sporting family has had a profound effect on my life. Standing for election as the next President of the CGF is my chance to give something back to the Movement that means so much to me. 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.
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.”