Since its inception as the British Empire Games in 1930, women have competed at the Commonwealth Games. England has produced some of the world’s finest female athletes, including likes of Jess Ennis-Hill, Dame Kelly Holmes, Paula Radcliffe, Victoria Pendleton, Sally Gunnell, Sharron Davies, Fatima Whitbread, Rebecca Adlington and Commonwealth Games England’s president, Denise Lewis. 

Embracing inclusion and diversity is a powerful catalyst for success and in recent years some of the historic imbalances in sport have been challenged; From St Andrews finally accepting women, to the varsity Women’s Boat Race long overdue parity with the men’s crews (thanks to pressure from the title sponsors) and EA Sports introducing female footballers into its FIFA video game series.

The Commonwealth Games Federation promotes the shared value of Equity and the Games retains its status as a leader in promoting gender equity. Sports programme decisions are heavily guided by the aim that sports have a balanced participation (World Championships and other International Federation recognised events) and profile (elected body) for males and females.

The diversity of Team England is part of what makes it exceptional. The World Economic Forum estimates at current rates gender parity will not be achieved until 2133. Team England is ahead of the curve.  The medal table topping English Team at Glasgow 2014 was made up of 218 male to 210 female athletes, with around 40% female support staff. As a result 82 out of 174 of Team England’s medals came from our female athletes (including mixed events). That’s why this international Women’s Day, Commonwealth Games England is supporting #PledgeForParity and will continue to build cultures where all people feel valued and included.

CGE aims to send the best prepared team possible to the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games which is not only a diverse mix of England’s greatest multi-sport stars, but also continuing our equal ratio of male to female members of Team England.

CGE is searching for an inaugural Presenting Partner to help support this preparation. The partner would join brands such a CGI, Shakespeare Martineau, STA Travel, National Express and the Grange Hotel Group who are already leveraging the benefits of their association with Team England.

To help with recruiting CGE has appointed Female Sports Group, the first sports consultancy in the UK to focus exclusively on female and mixed gender sports,  and to recognise the value to sponsors of supporting this area of sport.  

Join Team England in its journey to the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games as its first ever Presenting Partner http://po.st/rKTBzv