Team Wales 2021 Review

Goodbye 2021, hello #B2022!

With the year drawing to a close, we wanted to look back at what we’ve achieved in 2021, as we also look forward to what an exciting year 2022 will be, the year of the games!

We asked our CEO, Chris Jenkins, Chef de Mission, Dr Nicola Phillips, and Commonwealth Games Wales Chair, Helen Phillips, to reflect on the year:

Chris Jenkins

Throughout 2021 Commonwealth Games Wales (CGW) has worked very closely with colleagues at Welsh Government, Sport Wales and Sports’ National Governing Bodies to keep you training and competing, and I would like to thank all athletes, coaches, support staff and families for their support. We are entering the year when Team Wales is selected, and we are again facing challenges and, as you would expect, CGW working with partners to support you. The last year has shown we can adapt and work together to form a Team that will inspire Wales. Preparations are on track in Wales and Birmingham as everyone has adapted, competitions moved, travel restrictions and changes to your training plans; thank you for your resilience and desire to represent Wales in Birmingham. The Team Wales kit looks fantastic, and although we would have liked to meet you all to discuss Birmingham '22 we opted for safety first and are meeting all sports virtually. We do have great plans for Team Wales days around kit distribution as we celebrate selection for Team Wales in June.

I am writing to you from Birmingham having just visited the Athletics track and Swimming pool, the two new venues for B22, and they look fantastic and are close to completion, with their first test events in the Spring. Everyone in Birmingham '22 is working flat out to make these Games a great success. We all appreciate and admire the way all in sport have come together and adapted, it hasn’t been easy, CGW and B22 are both ready for next year and looking forward to Team Wales in Birmingham '22.

Dr Nicola Phillips

“As we head into the New Year, I am looking forward to what 2022 will bring for Team Wales. We hope it will be a chance to celebrate sport again and although it’s not a Home Games, Birmingham 22 is a stone’s throw from the Welsh border. We remain optimistic about the chance for Team Wales supporters to go along and cheer for our Welsh athletes and give them as close to a home advantage as we can. Whilst we know there will still be challenges in the current circumstances, our athletes have shown amazing resilience so far and I am proud to be leading the team in Birmingham in the summer. The atmosphere will be something definitely not to be missed, with our hosts in Birmingham known for their welcome for all nations and cultures.

We have some busy months ahead as we get everything in place to make sure our athletes, across all sports competing, can prepare for their best performances and achieve their aspirations.”

Helen M Phillips

As we approach a much-awaited 2022 where all signposts in sport head to Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games, I am thrilled to see a big thumbs up from the President of the CGF Dame Louise Martin following recent CGF co-com review. This prediction of a ‘successful games’ approves Birmingham’s readiness to host 72 Nations. We recognise Birmingham is vibrant and richly diverse. It is well known for always offering a warm welcome to visitors from around the world and I am certain being its closest Neighbours we will experience a huge reception. 

We are working a variety of levels with the Organising Committee, the CGF and critically with our National Governing Bodies. Thank you all for your diligence in working with us and your commitment to our athletes across our participating Sports.  

The Commonwealth Games is much more than a multi-sport event to Wales – it’s an opportunity for us to showcase our magnificent country, celebrate our culture and love for sport. 

Seeing any athlete compete for Wales is always inspiring and we are blessed and grateful to have such a depth of talented athletes available for selection, supported by great coaches, support teams at club and country level. 

May I wish all our athletes the very best of luck in these final qualification months and ask you all to continue to inspire your communities, your country and keep safe and in good spirit for these final 7 months into the games. 

Finally, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2022. 

Follow the #TeamWales 2022 journey to Birmingham on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @TeamWales