The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Coordination Commission has praised the flexibility and resilience of Birmingham 2022 in handling the significant challenges created by COVID-19.
The CGF Coordination Commission (CoCom) is responsible for delivery oversight of the Commonwealth Games and is tasked with monitoring Games delivery to scope, schedule and budget whilst providing support and advice to partners.
This month marked the fifth CGF CoCom review of Birmingham 2022 but due to the travel restrictions caused by the pandemic, sessions were undertaken virtually.
CGF CoCom Chair Bruce Robertson, who serves as CGF Vice President, revealed his team of experts were hugely satisfied with the preparations of the Birmingham 2022 Partnership in what has been the most difficult of years.
CGF CoCom Chair Bruce Robertson said: “What I have been most impressed by is the flexibility and resilience the Birmingham 2022 Delivery Partnership have displayed throughout this pandemic. Chair John Crabtree, CEO Ian Reid and their wider team, working with their key government partners, continue to find pioneering solutions to difficult problems.
Amongst many examples, Birmingham 2022 have successfully adapted their athlete accommodation model to three excellent ‘campus’ villages, whilst ensuring that the Council-led Perry Barr Regeneration Scheme will still be delivered to provide 1,400 much-needed homes for the area in what will be a key legacy from the Games.
In addition, a 24-hour change to the start date will allow the Commonwealth Games to take place in an action-packed summer of sport that will include the rescheduled World Athletics Championships in Oregon and UEFA Women’s Football Championships in England.
There is no doubt challenges lie ahead for Birmingham 2022, but my main takeaway is that Birmingham, the West Midlands, the UK and the Commonwealth can start feeling very optimistic and excited about what should be a fantastic Games.”
Ian Reid, Chief Executive Officer for Birmingham 2022, said: “Despite the challenges we have faced this year, we have managed to make significant progress and sustain momentum on all areas of Games delivery. This is down to a dedicated partnership, that is forged in trust, and shares a fervent belief that these Games will provide a much-needed beacon of hope for all involved.
“As always, we are grateful for the continued support and advice from the CGF, Bruce, and his Coordination Commission colleagues, and we look forward, as a partnership, to welcoming them back to Birmingham in 2021.”
Alongside Robertson, the other members of the five-person CoCom are Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) Executive Director Andrew Ryan, CGF Chief Operating Officer Darren Hall, Glasgow City Council Director of Governance and Solicitor to the Council Carole Forrest and Commonwealth Games Scotland Head of Games Operations Elinor Middlemiss.
They are supported by the CGF Management Team and CGF Partnerships, who have embedded resources integrated in the Birmingham 2022 delivery teams and provide significant previous Games expertise.
The sixth CGF CoCom is scheduled to take place in June 2021.
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