Governor General David Johnston becomes patron of Commonwealth Games Canada
OTTAWA, March 7, 2012 — For close to six decades, Canada’s governors general have served graciously and enthusiastically as Patrons of Commonwealth Games Canada (CGC). Today, CGC is pleased to announce that His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, is continuing that tradition.
“Commonwealth Games Canada is proud of its productive and longstanding relationship with the Royal Family, along with the constructive collaborations we have enjoyed with previous governors general,” says Dr. Andrew Pipe, President of CGC. “We are honoured that His Excellency David Johnston has also generously agreed to serve as CGC’s Patron.”
The Rt. Hon. Vincent Massey, the first Canadian appointed to the post of governor general in 1952, was the first vice-regal patron of the Commonwealth Games Association of Canada. Today, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth, is Patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation, CGC’s international governing body, while His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, serves as Vice Patron.
“The Commonwealth Games are, in many ways, a ‘made-in-Canada’ success story,” adds Brian MacPherson, CGC’s Chief Executive Officer. “Not only did Canada host the first-ever Commonwealth Games in Hamilton in 1930, but as we give serious consideration to launching a bid to host the Games for the 5th time in 2022, His Excellency’s Patronage highlights the important connection Canadians have with these Games.”
Canada is one of only six countries to have participated in every Commonwealth Games since their inception, and has hosted the Games four times—in Hamilton (1930), Vancouver (1954), Edmonton (1978), and Victoria (1994).
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. The mission of Commonwealth Games Canada is to strengthen sport within Canada and throughout the Commonwealth, by participating in the Commonwealth Games and by using sport as a development tool.
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For more information, visit www.commonwealthgames.ca or contact:
Brian MacPherson
Chief Executive Officer
Commonwealth Games Association of Canada
613-244-6868 x 226
