Team Wales announce new Athletes Commission
Commonwealth Games Wales today announce the new group of athletes that will be the voice for athletes as Team Wales prepare for Trinbago 2023 and Victoria 2026.
13 athletes across 11 sports have been selected as part of the new Athletes Commission (AC). The group will work closely with the Commonwealth Games Board members to give advice and provide feedback on a variety of athlete centered topics.
The successful AC members were appointed following nominations from their respective National Governing Bodies (NGB’s), recommendations from the Nominations Committee and then selected by CGW Board.
The athletes are; Georgia Davies (swimming), Suzy Drane (netball), David Phelps (shooting), Will Roberts (cycling), Ross Owen (Lawn Bowls), Lily Rice (para swimming), Rosie Eccles (boxing), Morgan Jones (para athletics), Jasmine Joyce (rugby sevens), Sarah Jones (hockey), Jacob Edwards (gymnastics) and Anna Hursey (table tennis). Racewalker Bethan Davies will be the Sport Wales representative, following her appointment on the new Sport Wales Athlete Panel.
The AC will consider matters that impact on athletes, canvass opinion and guide solutions to ensure the CGW board are fully informed on the services required to support athletes before and during games.
Helen Phillips MBE, Chair of CGW said ‘’The key purpose of the Athlete commission is to ensure our athletes voice is heard and at the forefront of our decision making. This is critical as we plan for Trinbago 2023 Youth & Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The board insists on listening and acting upon the guidance from a varied group of current and former athletes, on all matters that could impact and aid their individual performance or their collective experience. It’s reassuring to see athletes from a broad number of sports and I am confident they will all have a positive impact during this next cycle’’
The AC will actively review and support the work of CGW on all relevant matters relating to CGW Games planning and policy as requested by the board, such as, antidoping, social media, team events, code of conduct, clothing and village experience.
Cathy Williams, CGW Head of Engagement who is the executive lead for the AC added ‘’The make up of athletes we have within the Athletes Commission is key for us. Within the multi sport environment we delve into every aspect of the athlete life experience from the journey to get selected, right through to village life during the competition and post Games. The AC will help empower the athlete voice in the decision making process. During the Birmingham cycle we were fortunate to have such a hands on and motivated group of athletes, and looking at the names this time round, I’m confident we can replicate the success of ensuring the athletes voice is heard.’’
Meet the athletes
Bethan Davies (Athletics)
“I’m thrilled to have been chosen to represent Athletics on the AC for a second Commonwealth Games cycle. I am really looking forward to working alongside such a fantastic group of athletes and acting as the AC’s link to the Sport Wales Athlete’s Panel. Hopefully together we can ensure that as many as possible of Wales’ athletes are represented and have influence in Welsh sports decision making processes.”
Georgia Davies (Swimming) *Siaradwr Cymraeg / Welsh speaker
‘’It’s such a huge honour to become part of the Team Wales Athletes Commission. I proudly represented Wales at three Commonwealth Games, and received unwavering support from Team Wales for the duration of my swimming career, so having now retired, I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to remain involved with an organisation I think so highly of, and to support the next generation of Welsh athletes in performing to their absolute best, helping them create some unforgettable memories in the process.’’
Suzy Drane (Netball)
‘’I am delighted to have been named as part of Team Wales’ Athletes Commission to support this Commonwealth Games cycle. I look forward to working alongside athletes from a variety of sports and use my experiences to contribute to the preparation and success for Team Wales in Victoria 2026. I am excited to get started and see what the next three years brings.’’
David Phelps (Shooting)
‘’I’m overjoyed to have been selected again, for my final term, to be part of Team Wales Athletes Commission. The opportunity to take part in the journey to Victoria 2026, and help shape what that will look like is an absolute privilege, that I treasure.
With being a part of Team Wales Athletes Commission, I look forward to working with fellow athletes from a variety of sports, bringing together all that knowledge and experience to give Team Wales Athletes the very best experience. Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games will be a further evolution of the new games delivery model with groups of sports housed and competing in regional hubs, this bring new challenges to over come, new ideas to bring the team together whilst half way round the world.
I’m excited by the challenge and the hard work this will require, because I always want the best for the team.’’
Will Roberts (Cycling)
‘‘I am extremely humbled to be selected for the Athletes Commission for Team Wales. I have always had a huge sense of pride representing Wales. Competing at Birmingham 2022 was the ultimate expression of that. I gained an immense amount of experience preparing for and participating in those Games and feel confident in my ability to share this experience through the Athletes Commission. I am ready to work hard towards Victoria 2026 being THE most successful Games for Wales.’’
Ross Owen (Lawn Bowls)
‘’I am absolutely honoured and delighted to be given the opportunity to be part of the AC for Team Wales. I am excited at the opportunity to be promoting voice for athletes leading upto the 2026 Games.’’
Lily Rice (Para Swimming)
‘’I’m super excited to be part of the athletes commission. I’m looking forward to meeting other athletes from different sports and being able to contribute towards the future of commonwealth sport.’’
Rosie Eccles (Boxing)
‘’I’m really honoured to be part of the Athletes Commission as the Commonwealth Games hold such a big place in my heart. Birmingham was my last Commonwealth Games, so to now have a voice in helping the next generation to experience what I got to is surely what sport is all about. Full cycle. Bring on Australia.’
Jasmine Joyce (Rugby Sevens)
‘’So grateful once again for this opportunity. Really enjoying working with CWG and everyone who is involved. Looking forward to helping out and getting stuck in.’’
Sarah Jones (Hockey)
‘’Having represented Wales in three Commonwealth Games, I am thrilled to now have the opportunity to shape what Victoria 2026 will look like for Team Wales athletes. The feeling of representing Team Wales is unrivalled and I am always so proud of the atmosphere that the Athletes Commission helps cultivate. Looking ahead, I’m looking forward to working alongside a brilliant group of athletes from a variety of sports and using our experience to create a memorable and successful Commonwealth Games for Wales.’’
Jacob Edwards (Gymnastics)
‘’I’m extremely delighted to have been selected for this cycles Team Wales Athletes Committee! I really look forward to being a part of this, and cannot wait to get started!
It’s an honour to have been selected, and I will do everything possible, alongside all the other amazing athletes on the committee, to ensure all athletes across all sports can have the best possible build up towards Victoria 2026. Cymru Am Byth.’
Anna Hursey (Table Tennis)
‘’I’m so happy to be part of the Athlete’s Commission, I have loved being involved in the last two Commonwealth Games, and am thankful for the help received. It’s an honour to represent Team Wales. I will do my best to encourage all the Welsh athletes. The Commonwealth Games, Victoria 2026 will be an amazing experience.’
Morgan Jones (Para Athletics)
‘’I’m really proud and honoured to be included on the Athlete’s Commission. I’m excited to be involved over the next cycle and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to represent para sport on the AC.’’