Cgf President Celebrates ‘games Of Firsts’

Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president, Louise Martin CBE, declares the XXI Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, “the Games of Firsts” in her Closing Ceremony speech at the Carrara Stadium.

Martin highlighted the five Commonwealth countries that won their first ever Commonwealth medals on the Gold Coast; and stated that the medals won by Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, British Virgin Islands and Dominica demonstrated the fast-growing impact of Commonwealth sport. The Games also broke the record for the most number of countries winning medals at a Commonwealth Games (43 out of 71), beating the previous total of 39 set at Manchester 2002 and Melbourne 2006.

Martin said: “Gold Coast 2018 will forever be remembered as ‘the Games of Firsts’. When I spoke at the opening of the Games 11 days ago, I asked the assembled athletes to grasp the opportunity of the Commonwealth Games and create their own history and fulfil their dreams. I must sincerely thank and congratulate them for rising so magnificently to this challenge.

“Nine world records and 83 Games records were broken. From the first ever medals for Commonwealth islands and states; the first ever Jamaican Lawn Bowls team, the Reggae Rollers, or the first-ever Ugandan netball team competing so strongly – these captivating stories, and the many others we witnessed here in Australia, are what Commonwealth sport is all about. It is what sets us apart in the world of sport and confirms that the ‘Friendly Games’ is alive and well, indeed more relevant than ever before.

“The inspiring and impactful performances of our Commonwealth athletes have delivered on the promise of a historic collection of ‘firsts’ that were achieved in the run up to Games; whether that be the ground-breaking Reconciliation Action Plan, the equal number of medals for men and women for the first time, or the largest ever fully-integrated para-sport programme seen in Commonwealth and world sport,” said Martin.

Martin also gave special mention to the Yugambeh community and in particular the Indigenous Working Groups and local Yugambeh Advisory Group who contributed to and supported the delivery of the Games. As part of her closing remarks, the CGF president announced that the Games mascot, Borobi – whose name means Koala in local language – would continue its work and be used after the Games to support and raise funds for the Yugambeh community.

CGF chief executive officer, David Grevemberg CBE added: “The athletes have helped us write a new chapter in our modern Commonwealth’s history. The captivating stories, and unparalleled performances have brought a new meaning to the words ‘Commonwealth Athlete’. What we have witnessed on the Gold Coast has instilled incredible pride in what it means to be a Commonwealth athlete, both as a high performance competitor on the field of play, and as a champion of causes and passions off it. That is what being an athlete on what has become known as ‘Team Commonwealth’ is all about.”

During the closing speeches, the Games were praised for their humanity, social purpose and impact and the inclusive and joyful message it sent to the wider Commonwealth and world as a Games that would champion positive, social change.

“One of the real talking points has been the way the Games has recognised, respected and championed greater discourse surrounding reconciliation and indigenous rights in Australia. It’s part of a far-reaching commitment to equality – which has seen para-sport, gender equality and LGBTI inclusion also take centre stage – which has truly shifted the dial in what are hugely important and current conversations for society today,” added Grevemberg.

“Gold Coast 2018 is by no means the end of our reconciliation journey. We were privileged to have the indigenous peoples of 15 different countries with us on the Gold Coast, and we now look forward to taking this important conversation concerning first nation’s peoples’ rights to other parts of our family of nations as we continue to champion Commonwealth sport as a force for good in the modern world.”