In Memory of Dr. Ivor Dent
Ivor Dent, former president of the Commonwealth Games Association of Canada from 1984 to 1990, passed away on March 30 in Edmonton at the age of 85. He also served the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) for two terms as Vice-President of the Americas. Within the Commonwealth Games family, he is best known for bringing the 1978 Commonwealth Games to Edmonton, one of the most successful sporting events ever hosted in Canada.
“Our dear friend Ivor Dent will be remembered for his sterling contribution to the Commonwealth Games Movement and in particular the period of the Edmonton Games and later on the Victoria Games. Our condolences, personal and for the CGF, to his family and the CGC family as well,” says CGF President Mike Fennell.
Ivor was born in Prince Albert,
After serving as an alderman for five years, he was elected mayor in 1968. He served a second term as mayor until he was defeated in 1974. A committed social democrat, he was also a former president of the Alberta New Democratic Party.
After his time as mayor, Ivor went to Oxford University to study public administration. He also had a master’s of education degree from the University of Alberta and a PhD in educational administration from the University of Oregon.
He was made a member of the Order of Canada in 1984.
Ivor was predeceased by his wife, Aileen, who was always by his side as he carried out his commitments to the Commonwealth Games. He is survived by two brothers, four children, and seven grandchildren.
“I was very fortunate to have served under Ivor’s leadership and mentorship” says Bruce Robertson, now Vice-President of the Commonwealth Games Federation. “Ivor was a very principled and progressive force within the CGAC and the CGF. He actively encouraged the Federation to modernize and market its unique brand; he was an influential proponent for the inclusion of events for athletes with a disability as demonstration events for the 1994 Commonwealth Games, which went on to become full medal events in Kuala Lumpur in 1998, the only international multi-sport event that does so to this day; and he was instrumental in the CGAC launching the Commonwealth Sport Development Program. Many of the unique aspects of the Games and Canada’s influence in the Games movement can be traced back to Ivor’s influence.”
Opening Ceremony Edmonton 1978 - one of the most successful sporting events ever hosted in Canada
Ivor was presented with CGAC’s Award of Merit after he completed his presidency. The testimonial below captures his unique contribution to the Commonwealth Games movement.
If a leader is someone who sees not only what is, but what could be, whose dreams inspire others to reach beyond the average to the outstanding, whose ideas spark enthusiasm in all who share them, then Ivor Dent is a true leader. No other person in the
Ivor Dent's impact on sport in Canada is unparalleled, his dreams visionary. In August 1978 athletes from around the world proudly paraded into Edmonton's stadium to the cheers and thunderous applause of thousands of spectators. The biggest Games to date in the history of the Commonwealth Games, Edmonton heralded Canada's prominence in the Commonwealth family, and realized the dreams of the city's mayor, Ivor Dent, the driving force behind the Games. In over a quarter of a century of dedicated service, Ivor Dent has worked tirelessly to promote Canada's participation in the Games and in the Commonwealth Games Federation. As president of the CGAC, he led Canada's successful bid to host the 1994 Games and during the six years leading up to the
The global network he built while campaigning for the Edmonton Games has continued to grow and, now, many years later, the CGAC still reaps the benefits of these invaluable relationships and of the high esteem Canada is held, due in large part, to Ivor Dent.
Ivor Dent has never ceased to dream - and his dreams become his motivation. The most recent reached fruition with the Commonwealth Sport Development Program - a Canadian initiative which is providing opportunities previously unimaginable to young athletes in developing countries around the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Games Association is proud to honour Ivor Dent for his dedicated contribution to the ideals of the Association and for his vision and leadership. It is safe to say that the Commonwealth Games Association of Canada of today would be a much different organization were it not for this very special man.
