Team England’s Annual General Meeting marked the beginning of a significant year for both Commonwealth Games England and Commonwealth Sport, with Glasgow 2026 firmly in sight. The AGM bought together National Governing Bodies with representatives from the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company, Commonwealth Sport, and some special guests. 

Hosted by Radzi Chinyanganya, the formal AGM concluded to make way for the focus of the afternoon- the people and stories behind Team England’s Commonwealth Games history, alongside updates from Glasgow 2026 CEO, Phil Batty OBE and Team England’s Chef de Mission, Jonny Riall.  

Radzi was joined by Team England President Dame Laura Kenny, Birmingham 2022 silver medallist Shanice Beckford-Norton, Athletics Team Leader Scott Grace, and Team Behind the Team member Cleo Lyn in a sport-focused panel discussion. The group reflected on memorable moments from past Games while looking ahead to the next stage of preparations for this summer’s Games. 

The discussion also looked to the future of the Commonwealth sport movement, with Martin Reynolds, Deputy Chief Executive of Commonwealth Sport. Martin outlined how the movement plans to adapt, stay relevant, and create opportunities for athletes, communities, and young people over the coming decade. It was evident that the focus is on building a more sustainable, inclusive, and impactful sporting landscape for everyone involved. 

Commonwealth Games England Chair John Steele reflected on the ambition at the AGM, highlighting what makes the movement so unique. He said, “The energy and enthusiasm of this year's AGM captured exactly what makes the Commonwealth sport movement so special. There is now a real sense of momentum as we head towards the Games in Glasgow later this year and then enter our centenary cycle, with the Commonwealth Youth Games in Malta next year and the main Games in Amdavad in 2030. These exciting new venues represent a fresh set of challenges and shared purpose for a reset movement.” 

He added, “Conversations and interactions at the AGM between athletes, staff and stakeholders reflected new ambition and a sense of unity that makes Commonwealth sport so unique.” 

Preparations are now ramping up across the team, with athletes, staff, and partners focused on giving their all both on and off the field. While carrying forward the energy and ambition that shone through at the AGM, everyone at Commonwealth Games England is aiming to represent every corner of England with pride.