|
|
| Sir
Andrew Foster named as new Council for England Chair |
Sir Andrew Foster, author of "The Future of British Athletics"
and Deputy Chairman of Royal Bank of Canada Europe Limited, has
today been appointed as the new Chairman of the Commonwealth Games
Council for England (CGCE) the organisation responsible for
managing Team England at each Commonwealth Games.
The Council, late yesterday, approved his appointment unanimously.
Sir Andrew's role as external Chair of the Council is an innovative
move for the sports body, dating back to the 1930s, which is seeking
to re-brand, draw on external expertise and raise its profile in
the lead-up to the Games of 2010
in Delhi.
Sir Andrew¹s business acumen, as well as his knowledge and
love of sport, will be key factors for an organisation that is already
renowned for its ability to prepare and manage the Games-time team.
Sir Andrew Foster, Deputy Chairman of Royal Bank of Canada Europe
Limited said: "The Commonwealth Games is known as "The
Friendly Games" because it is a wonderful multi-national and
multi-cultural event which truly epitomizes internationalism.
"Sport is something I have always been absolutely passionate
about. It is beneficial to society in so many ways, encouraging
self-expression, friendship and understanding.
"I feel very honoured and privileged to be appointed Chairman
of the Commonwealth Games Council. I very much intend to bring together
my interest for sport and experience of business and government
to ensure that Team England takes every opportunity leading up to
the next Games in Delhi in 2010."
Ann Hogbin, Chief Executive of the CGCE said: Sir Andrew's appointment
is part of a radical rethink of our structure and skill-sets. We
are delighted to welcome him to the Council and look forward to
working with him and the new board. There are some exciting times
ahead.
Sir Andrew will work with the Council to shape a Management Board
with expertise to address key areas such as sports performance,
marketing and sponsorship.
³I am sure that we will be the subject of intense focus in
2010 in Delhi as the nation builds to the staging of the 2012 Olympic
and Paralympic Games in London. The Games will be seen as a barometer
of progress across the Olympic sports. I am sure we will see new
names emerge at those Games. It's important that we deliver our
core services to the usual high standard but equally important that
we create the right profile and level of support", added Sir
Andrew.
The Commonwealth Games is traditionally a test-bed for young athletes
who value the experience of competing on a major multi-sport stage
as well as the kudos attached to winning a significant Championships
medal. Athletes and other sportsmen and women like Denise Lewis,
Daley Thompson, Jessica Ennis, Adrian Moorhouse and James Hickman,
gymnast Annika Reeder and Audley Harrison as well as shooter Mick
Gault etc. have all initially made their names at the Commonwealths".
In addition, the Games provide a unique elite multi-sport experience
for a range of non-Olympic sports including netball, rugby 7s and
lawn bowls.
|
|