Martin elected President of Commonwealth Games Federation as she unseats Prince Imran

Scotland’s Louise Martin has been elected President of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), defeating incumbent Prince Imran here today on her 69th birthday.

No voting figures were immediately available but insidethegames understands that, in the end, despite claims the election would go down to the wire, Martin’s margin of victory was relatively comfortable.

The 67-year-old Malaysian, a member of the International Olympic Committee, who had taken over as CGF President from Jamaica’s Mike Fennell four years ago, appeared to pay the price for a controversial attempt in 2013 to move the organisation’s headquarters from London to Kuala Lumpur, a plan that was condemned by many members, particularly in Africa and the Caribbean.

Martin, meanwhile, made great play of the leading role she had played in the success of last year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, widely hailed as the best in history.

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Durban Awarded the 2022 Commonwealth Games

Durban was today officially confirmed as hosts of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the first time the event will have been hosted in Africa.

Edmonton, the South African city’s only rival, had withdrawn its bid in February due to the global decline in oil prices.

Durban’s selection by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) was rubber-stamped following a 30 minute presentation to its General Assembly, who voted unanimously to award them the event.

“It is a great day for Durban and for South Africa as we bring the Games of 2022 to Africa,” said Mark Alexander, the chairman of Durban 2022.

“This bid to host the Commonwealth Games will accelerate the progress the city is making in construction and development, and in building a more inclusive citizenry.

“Through the Games we aim to build greater social cohesion, create opportunities for empowerment, boost prosperity and ensure equality, while also fast-tracking economic growth in our country .

“The Commonwealth Games in Durban will be a game changer for the city.”

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LA officially launches bid for 2024 Olympic Games

Los Angeles has officially launched its bid to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games today following a unanimous vote by the LA City Council in support of the city’s attempt to bring the Summer Games back to the United States for the first time in 28 years.

The city’s Olympic bid was endorsed by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) Board of Directors and LA Mayor Eric Garcetti.

Joining Garcetti in making the announcement at the Annenberg Community Beach House on the world-famous Santa Monica Beach were USOC chairman Larry Probst, USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun, LA City Council President Herb Wesson, LA 2024 chairman Casey Wasserman and numerous Olympians and Paralympians.

Santa Monica Beach

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Los Angeles as our US bid city for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Blackmun.

“LA has the proven experience in hosting the Games, and knows how to deliver world-class events for athletes and an extraordinary experience for fans.

“Coupled with the city’s culture of creativity and innovation, we are confident LA can deliver an outstanding Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2024.”

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