By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – The visiting Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Executive Board felt like they were home in their four days stay in the country.
The teams hosted their meeting in the country which was first time they hosted such meetings outside Europe and Eswatini being the first country to be given the honours. The CGF President Dr Chris Jenkins wrote a letter of thanks directed to the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) President Adam ‘Bomber’ Mthethwa, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Maxwell Jele and the board.
“I am writing to thank you for hosting the CGF Executive Board in the beautiful Kingdom of Eswatini last week. There were so many highlights during the week, and we were privileged to sample the culture of the Swazi people and spend time with the EOCGA Board and Sports leaders. Throughout our visit you and your team were truly wonderful and so very accommodating,” reads the letter.
Jenkins said during the time together they continued to discuss areas of collaboration and learn from EOCGA how they place athletes at the heart of their strategy.
“We very much appreciated the opportunity to meet with both your Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, The Hon. Bongani Nzima and your Deputy Prime Minister, The Hon Thuli Dladla. It was an honour to be able to speak with them and to share our current thinking around our new model and possible hosting opportunities. I was delighted to hear the Sports Minister mention the ambition to host the Commonwealth Youth Games in the future, during the farewell dinner,” reads part of the letter.
Jenkins then concluded that the entire Executive Board Members and the Management Team say that they were made to feel very welcome and ‘at home’ during the stay.
“We look forward to seeing you again in Mombasa for the upcoming Regional Meeting for Africa and Europe,” concludes the letter.
