Leadership Group Finalized for 2010 Commonwealth Games Team

Ottawa, May 20, 2009 – Commonwealth Games Canada today announced that Michael A. Smith will serve as Team Leader – Team Member Support and Services at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India.

The Games will take place from October 3 – 14, 2010 and will feature more than 4,000 world-class athletes from 71 Commonwealth nations and territories, competing in 19 different sports. Canada, which finished third overall at the 2006 Games in Melbourne, Australia, is expected to send a highly competitive team of approximately 400 athletes, coaches, and volunteers.

Mr. Smith joins an outstanding leadership group that includes:

  • Martha Deacon, Chef de Mission
  • Scott Stevenson, CGC Director of Sport
  • Kelly Laframboise, Team Operations
  • Dr. Jon Kolb, Coaching and Applied Sport Science
  • Dr. Navin Prasad, Health and Wellbeing
  • Jackie DeSouza, Communications and Media Relations 

“Mike brings a truly unique set of qualifications and experiences to our leadership team,” said Martha Deacon, Chef de Mission. “A former national team athlete, Athletes Advocate at both Commonwealth and Olympic Games, past-president of Athletes CAN, club-level coach, and a partner in a successful law firm. Clearly, we’ve got the right guy to head up Team Member Support and Services.”

Mr. Smith will play an important role as liaison, mentor, and problem solver for Canadian athletes before, during, and immediately following competition in Delhi. He will work to create a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment that respects the needs of all athletes.

“Mike is fully bilingual and we know him to be resourceful, flexible and cool under pressure,” added Scott Stevenson, CGC’s Director of Sport. “The fact that he’s been on Mission Staff at the two previous Commonwealth Games, as well as last year’s Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, India, are huge assets for Team Canada.”

Mr. Smith’s first task will be to select the remaining members of his team. The deadline for applications is 12:00 noon ET on Thursday, May 28, 2009. The call for applications is posted on the CGC website at www.commonwealthgames.ca.

About Commonwealth Games Canada

Commonwealth Games Canada (CGC) is the international franchise holder for the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth movement in Canada, and an active, contributing member of the Canadian sport community. Led by its volunteer Board and supported by professional staff, CGC is committed to strengthening sport in Canada and throughout the Commonwealth.

For more information, please contact:

Scott Stevenson
Director of Sport, 
Commonwealth Games Association of Canada
613-244-6868 ext. 232
scott@commonwealthgames.ca
www.commonwealthgames.ca