Former world karate champion Thompson - who claimed gold in 1982 in Taipei - was added to the Birmingham 2022 Board alongside Commonwealth Games netball gold medallist Ama Agbeze in February following a diversity row within the Organising Committee's structure.

Birmingham 2022 faced criticism for the lack of diversity on the Board when it comprised of seven white men, five white women and one black man.

The number of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) representatives on the Board is now five.

Thompson spoke about activism for representation following the George Floyd protests and praised Birmingham 2022's response to this criticism.

"The challenge these Games faced was a lack of diversity, reflecting a city that uniquely sees all of the Commonwealth nations represented in its citizens," said Thompson to Voice Online.

"When the George Floyd moment hit us all, Birmingham 2022 responded in the right and appropriate way.

"They did so by getting their own house in order.

"Birmingham and sport has to help reset to dial - once you have your own house in order you can re-engage with the community.

"We have diverse Board now, we have local faces.

"I'm a native of the West Midlands and I want those young people on the streets, to know that these Games are for them.

"My job, along with others, is to make sure that these young people know we want them involved.

"These will be a Games of equality, diversity and inclusion".

Thompson added that the Games had a greater responsibility than the London 2012 Olympics due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the opportunity to regenerate the city.

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is scheduled to take place from July 28 to August 8.