Commonwealth Games Federation Chief quits amidst diversity concerns

Commonwealth Games Federation president Louise Martin has resigned from leading the organizing committee for the 2022 event in the central English city of Birmingham following concerns about the lack of diversity on the board.

Dame Louise Martin, the President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, has voluntarily resigned from the Birmingham 2022 board after serious concerns were raised over a lack of diversity.

There was just one black person on the entire 20-person board and executive management team, prompting demands that the decision-making team was made more reflective of the ethnic diversity both in Birmingham and across the Commonwealth.

Martin has now decided to make her own leadership stand and her move is certain to place added scrutiny on other board members and how they will proactively address the issue.

Martin will be replaced by Sandra Osborne, a lawyer who is president of the Barbados Olympic Committee.

“The CGF is proud that our organization reflects the diversity of the Commonwealth Sports Movement and that we have a person of Sandra’s caliber to actively contribute on the Birmingham 2022 board,” the federation statement said.

“The CGF supports the renewed commitment of the Birmingham 2022 organizing committee to ensure that its governance and management fully reflects the diversity of the city and region.”

Further, the federation said that Martin would continue to play an “active role in the supporting preparations” for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Image source: Inside The Game