The inaugural meeting of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Coordination Commission (CoCom) for the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games, praises impressive progress following a three-day visit to the Australian State.
The CoCom is responsible for delivery oversight of the Commonwealth Games. It is tasked with monitoring the Games and providing assurance and guidance to ensure it is delivered to scope, schedule and budget.
A packed agenda across the 18-20 April, saw the CoCom delegation updated on the progress made on key areas by the Victoria 2026 Organising Committee and wider stakeholders. This included the Games vision, strategy and multi-city model, alongside updates on brand, marketing, First People’s and partner engagement; as well as villages, legacy and festivals. The CoCom also toured the Games cities of Bendigo and Geelong, where they met staff at the Organising Committee’s new headquarters.
With three years to go until the Games, CGF President, Dame Louise Martin DBE, thanked the members of CoCom and applauded the work to date:
“It has been a pleasure to be in Victoria this week for the first Coordination Commission meeting for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. I have no doubt that the expertise, support and advice of the Commission’s vastly experienced members will prove invaluable to the Organising Committee.
“Under their guidance, and with 20 sports, nine para-sports and a vibrant festival programme, the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games promises be a spectacular celebration of sport, art and culture.”
CGF CoCom Chair and CGF Vice President, Kereyn Smith CNZM said:
“It is an honour to Chair such an experienced team of experts and to support the Victoria 2026 Organising Committee in the delivery of this innovative Games model that will benefit more host communities than ever before. This week we have been updated on preparations to date and the exciting roadmap for the coming months.
“We look forward to working with the Organising Committee and wider stakeholders to maximise efficiencies and deliver a ground-breaking and truly spectacular Games.”
Welcoming the CoCom delegation to Victoria, Jeroen Weimar, CEO of Victoria 2026 commented:
“We are delighted to welcome the CGF Coordination Commission members to Victoria and to show the progress, passion and commitment of the Organising Committee to deliver a Games like no other.
“Our focus for the next 12 months is on laying the groundwork and working with the 72 Commonwealth Games Associations around the world to create a fantastic Games for their athletes.”
In addition to Chair and CGF Vice President, Kereyn Smith CNZM, CoCom members include Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF), Executive Director, Andrew Ryan; CGA Reference Group Representative from the Sri Lanka CGA, Maxwell De Silva; and CGF, Director of Games and Assurance, Darren Hall. CGF President, Dame Louise Martin and CGF CEO, Katie Sadleir, attended the CoCom meetings in an observer capacity. The CoCom will meet formally twice a year, with the next meeting scheduled for November 2023.
The Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games, taking place from 17-29 March 2026, will be hosted in five hubs across Victoria: Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, Gippsland and Shepparton.
ENDS
About the CGF
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is the organisation that is responsible for the direction and control of the Commonwealth Games, and for delivering on the vision of the Commonwealth Sports Movement: through sport, we build peaceful, sustainable and prosperous communities across the Commonwealth.
Frederick Marfo is a sportswriter and social worker well known for his advocacy for equal chances and rights for all athletes, especially those with disabilities.
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