Martin (pictured top), honorary secretary of the CGF, was named as the new chair of the Commonwealth Advisory Body on Sport (CABOS), which was established by the heads of Commonwealth Governments in 2003 as a sports policy advisory body to ensure best practice and that governing bodies are "well governed, transparent and democratic".

Its membership is made up of the leading sport and development experts and senior sports officials from across the Commonwealth and, as well as strengthening sport's role in meeting development goals, it aims to address threats to the integrity of sport, such as illegal and irregular betting and match-fixing.

The research-based initiative also develops policies and helps coordinate efforts between Commonwealth countries and with other international bodies such as the United Nations International Working Group on Sport for Development and Peace.

"I'm really honoured and delighted to be accepting this role, because I truly believe that sport is what really binds the Commonwealth together," Martin said.

"Commonwealth countries are uniquely placed to learn from each other and work together to maximise our efforts.

"We can be tremendously powerful when we pull together as a team.

"I would also like to thank Professor and Olympic athlete Bruce Kidd, who's done an amazing job as chair of CABOS for the past four years, and built its credibility and voice.

"It's time now to build on that hard work."

Sam, meanwhile, will now chair the CGF development committee, which was formed by the executive board at its meeting in Samoa earlier this year following a recommendation from a recent review of its strategy, activities and processes.


The CGF vice-president will lead the body as it promotes sports progression across the Commonwealth, while using it as a tool to achieve development objectives.

"I'm very pleased to have been appointed chair of the committee, whose membership will comprise me and the six regional vice-presidents on the CGF's executive board," Sam said.

"There's a great opportunity before us to ensure that the Commonwealth Games is the best possible stage not just for the very best in sport, but also for improving the lives of people across the Commonwealth.

"I'd also like to congratulate my colleague Louise Martin on her appointment to the chair of CABOS.

"This is a great step towards proper coordination of our efforts.

"Sport as our focus in the CGF will benefit tremendously by the appointment of Louise.

"I know that the task given to our development committee by the CGF will call for many hands on deck and we are well aware of the task facing us.

"However, on the committee are men and women who have been involved in sport development for decades.

"It's on their shoulder that rests the responsibility to guide the 71 nations which comprise the CGF membership towards genuine development within their territories."

The appointments come 400 days before the next Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

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