Commonwealth Games Federation announces new funding for Game Changers initiative ahead of General Assembly

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has today announced new funding for its Game Changers initiative, which aims to transform lives and communities through the power of sport and shared Commonwealth values. The news comes ahead of a week of activities for the CGF, centred around the organisation’s General Assembly which will be held on Wednesday 15 November.

Launched in July 2020, Game Changers funding is available exclusively for Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs). The focus is on smaller projects that contribute to a larger vision of social change through sport, with new applicants asked to submit projects that support athletes in advocating for projects they believe in, under the theme ‘Athletes Voice’.

The Programme acts as a catalyst for positive social impact and community development, equipping CGAs with resources to implement projects that foster fundamental values, promote unity, empower youth, and raise awareness on key global issues. This has included a number of different initiatives to date, including a project to bring clean water to Sri Lanka and a Basketball Art School in Namibia which impacted 784 learners, boosted female representation, and trained 33 youth leaders.

Jen Goh, a former Game Changers grant recipient and renowned Singapore golfer, said: “The Game Changers grant enabled us to empower young people to dream through sports. Piloting a community-development model, where young people themselves were leading the change they wanted to see for themselves, required us to go deeper and work closely with the community itself. This is where the Games Changer grant’s model provided us the flexibility to build the trust needed and implement the programme over a longer duration. We are encouraged to see our efforts pay off, as the Lifelab initiative was adopted by the participants themselves to continue as a weekly youth-led club where young people can discover future pathways.”

CGF President, Dame Louise Martin and CEO Katie Sadleir, announced the funding after being welcomed to Singapore by Chris Chan, Secretary General of Commonwealth Games Association Singapore, and introduced to local Singapore athletes at Bishan Sports Hall, the training centre for the Singapore national gymnastics team.

The General Assembly gathers together the Commonwealth Games Federation’s members to review activity, drive progress and inspire change. This year’s meeting will include interactive workshops and presentations, as well as strategic activity updates. It will be Dame Louise’s last as President after completing two terms, with the outcome of the election for her successor to be announced on Wednesday 15 November.

Katie Sadleir, CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation, said: “This General Assembly promises to be a transformative moment for the Federation as we come together to share ideas and plan for the future of the Movement.  

“Ahead of the Assembly, it’s been a privilege to meet dedicated local athletes here in Singapore and to announce a new round of Games Changers funding. The initiative is one of our key Development Programmes that encourages Nations to foster social change and embrace the values that bind the Commonwealth.

“I would also like to thank Dame Louise Martin, who has given almost 25 years of service to the Federation, including eight years as President. After being elected as the first female to the Board in 1999, her time at the Federation has been marked by unwavering dedication to the Commonwealth Sport Movement. She has been the driving force behind a number of notable successes for the CGF, including the establishment of the Commonwealth Youth Games.”

Dame Louise Martin, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, remarked: “Over the years, we have strived to create a platform that unites nations and empowers communities, inspiring athletes all over the Commonwealth and transforming lives through sport. As I step down from my role, I am filled with immense pride for all that we have achieved together and it is fitting that one of my last duties is to announce new funding for Game Changers. I will dearly miss the role I have cherished over the last eight years, but I am confident that new leaders will carry forward our legacy of unity, diversity and equality.”