From Left Commonwealth Games Foundation President Chris Jenkins and Paul Targat, president of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 4– In a bid to revitalize the Commonwealth Games, Chris Jenkins, president of the Commonwealth Games Foundation (CGF), announced plans to make the event more appealing to athletes and host nations during a press conference in Nairobi. His visit coincided with a meeting involving representatives from Africa and Europe, emphasizing the need for innovation in the Games’ structure and management.
Jenkins highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the Commonwealth Games, particularly with host nations grappling with high costs and logistical concerns. The upcoming 2026 edition will take place in Glasgow, Scotland, following the Gold Coast’s withdrawal due to financial apprehensions.
“We are in the midst of a significant change program,” Jenkins stated, underscoring efforts to enhance sustainability and reduce expenses associated with hosting the Games. He noted that the aim is to cut costs by 60%, making it more feasible for countries to participate. “We want to ensure that there’s a tangible social return on investment for governments when they fund the Games,” he added.
One of the primary strategies involves utilizing existing infrastructure instead of constructing new facilities, which often become underused after events conclude. Jenkins expressed optimism about this approach, stating, “By leveraging what is already available, we can significantly alleviate the financial burden on host countries.”
The CGF president also voiced support for the idea of African nations eventually hosting the Commonwealth Games, referencing discussions held during the Africa Games in Accra. He expressed confidence that with collaborative efforts, such a feat is achievable. “Co-hosting is a viable option; if multiple countries can share the responsibility of hosting, it would greatly diminish individual costs,” Jenkins explained.
Paul Targat, president of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), echoed Jenkins’ sentiments, emphasizing that high-level meetings like this one are crucial for positioning Africa as a potential host for future Commonwealth competitions.
However, the topic of financial incentives for athletes remains uncertain. Jenkins admitted that the CGF has not yet considered introducing prize money for medalists, unlike World Athletics, which recently announced plans to reward medalists at the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
As the Commonwealth Games seeks to reinvent itself for future generations, Jenkins’ commitment to sustainability and collaboration could pave the way for a more attractive and financially viable event for all involved.