Turks and Caicos host final Regional Meeting
Commonwealth Sport is holding the third and final in a series of Regional Meetings in Turks and Caicos on 16-18 October, with the Caribbean and Americas Commonwealth Games Associations coming together to foster stronger links in the region.
The Oceania and Asia Regional Meeting was held in the Maldives 22-23 September and the Africa and Europe meeting in Mombasa, Kenya, 7-8 October.
The Caribbean and Americas meeting will be an opportunity for 21 CGAs across the region to share learnings on sport development and meaningful social impact that the Commonwealth Sport Movement can influence. The meeting also focuses on the vision for a ‘reset and redefined’ Commonwealth Games – looking at how the 2026 Games will be an important first step in the development of a co-created, flexible, and sustainable Games of the future.
Commonwealth Sport President Chris Jenkins said, ‘’I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Turks and Caicos Islands Commonwealth Games Association (TCICGA) and President Godfrey Been and Secretary General Rosalie Ingham-Hall on this milestone year for the organisation.
‘’For the first time in the Association’s history, Turks and Caicos is hosting the Commonwealth Sport Regional Meeting of the Caribbean and the Americas. This is immediately followed by the Annual General Meeting of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) and related events, demonstrating the close working relationship between Commonwealth Sport and CANOC.
‘’Along with leadership from our CGAs, NOCs and the International Olympic Committee, I am delighted to be visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands for what will be my first time.
“The hosting of this Regional Meeting is a fantastic opportunity to promote the vibrant expressions of our diverse cultures, history and tradition while promoting tolerance, respect and understanding. Our Movement creates a strong sense of pride and belonging and honours the deep-rooted dignity and resilience of all cultures across the Commonwealth, represented by our extensive work to protect, respect and promote human rights, the establishment of a Historic Injustice Working Group, and the co-creation and adoption of the Commonwealth Sport Declaration on Reconciliation and Partnership with Indigenous Peoples.
‘’I am sure those present will all take the opportunity of attending this Regional Meeting to experience the island’s culture, heritage, natural beauty, vibrant sea life, wonderful beaches and the uniqueness of the Turks and Caicos people.
‘’I personally look forward to learning more about the environmental and sustainability challenges faced by Turks and Caicos and how our Movement can work together in highlighting these important issues.
It is a great honour and privilege for me to visit these islands, and I wish the hosts all the best during these important meetings.’’
Successful conclusion of Mombasa meeting
The recently concluded African and Europe Regional Meeting in Mombasa proved successful, with positive discussions amongst CGAs complemented by Commonwealth Games Kenya being able to showcase its sporting achievements, culture and diversity – supporting their ambition in hosting international sporting events.
The Kenya CGA highlighted the local impact of the Commonwealth Sport eqUIP programme, which focuses on youth development and leadership training, featuring young Kenyans and staff who have benefitted from the programme and showing the broader impact it has had on sports development in Kenya.
Commonwealth Games Kenya also promoted the "Cheza Healthy" initiative, focusing on the importance of physical activity and promoting wellness among young Kenyans, and how the values of the programme link to sports and global events such the Commonwealth Games.
Top Image: Commonwealth Sport President Chris Jenkins and CEO Katie Sadleir being welcomed to Turks and Caicos by the Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, the Honourable Rachel Taylor and the Director of Sports, Jarrett Forbes.
