2021 Commonwealth Games may be rescheduled

MUKWIMA CHILALA writes THE Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Executive Board have decided to explore re-scheduling options for the 2021 Commonwealth Youth Games. According to a press release by CGF media and Communication Manager Tom Degun, the seventh Commonwealth Youth Games were scheduled to take place  Degun said the impact of the pandemic on the global international sporting calendar meant that the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics had now rescheduled to the summer of 2021 during the original dates of the Youth Games. He noted that following positive discussions, the CGF had agreed to consider the best alternative options and timeframes for staging the event in the future, potentially in 2023. The CGF has given the Trinidad and Tobago Commonwealth Games Association (TTCGA) consideration as the first option to host. Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs in the Government of Trinidad and Tobago had committed to asking the Cabinet to re-examine its position and provide the necessary confirmation regarding the hosting of the Commonwealth Youth Games and the related expenditure. And CGF President Dame Louise Martin said that he rescheduling of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics had also changed demands on scheduling and resources for many of their Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) and International Federations from 2020 to 2021. “COVID-19 has had a devastating impact across the world and everyone’s absolute priority is the health and wellbeing of their communities. Our decision has been made in the best interests of athletes, fans and citizens that are to benefit from these transformational Games,’’ she said. “We are committed over the coming months to look at future dates and hosting options, to ensure the right decision is taken for the Commonwealth Youth Games, so that the region can continue to play a leading role as part of the Commonwealth Sports Movement.” Zambia has been a perpetual participant of the Common Wealth Games since her debut in 1970 having only missed the 1986 edition and was looking to take part in the Trinidad and Tobago competition was to be held next year. The Sun