Commonwealth Sport has unveiled the St John's Sports Pledge, a new initiative aimed at using sport to address major societal challenges. The Pledge was announced at the inaugural Commonwealth Sport Summit, held on November 2, alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda. The summit brought together government ministers, elite athletes, and senior sporting leaders to explore sport's role in creating healthier, more inclusive communities.
The draft Pledge sets out ten proposed commitments across three key areas: building resilient, healthy and inclusive societies; driving economic prosperity through sport; and strengthening unity, cultural understanding and international cooperation. Its ambitions include improving population health, empowering young people, and advancing disability inclusion. The initiative builds on the momentum of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with the Malta 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games and the Centenary Commonwealth Games in Amdavad in 2030 offering further opportunities to maximise sport's social and economic impact.
Commonwealth Sport President Dr Donald Rukare said the initiative represented an opportunity to demonstrate sport's wider value to governments and communities. He emphasised that sport should remain central to national conversations throughout the four-year Commonwealth Games cycle, rather than being celebrated only during major events. This approach aims to ensure sport continues to make a meaningful difference across the Commonwealth.
Sir Vivian Richards, cricket legend and Special Envoy to CHOGM 2026, highlighted sport's ability to inspire young people, unite communities, and create opportunities for future generations. The draft Pledge will now be developed in consultation with Commonwealth Games Associations before being presented to governments for agreement through the newly established Commonwealth Sport Coordination Forum.
The Commonwealth Sport Coordination Forum will meet annually to strengthen government collaboration and review progress against shared priorities. This will help ensure sport continues to make a meaningful difference across the Commonwealth. The initiative aims to create a lasting impact beyond the Commonwealth Games.
The St John's Sports Pledge is an opportunity for governments and communities to work together to harness sport's power to drive positive change. The Pledge's ambitions align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the potential for sport to contribute to a broader range of societal objectives.
The development of the St John's Sports Pledge marks a significant step towards recognising sport's role in shaping a better future for all. As the Pledge is developed and implemented, it is expected to have a lasting impact on the lives of people across the Commonwealth.
Key points
- The St John's Sports Pledge aims to harness sport's power to address major societal challenges, including public health, economic development, and international cooperation.
- The initiative builds on the momentum of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with future Games offering opportunities to maximise sport's social and economic impact.
- The Commonwealth Sport Coordination Forum will meet annually to review progress against shared priorities and strengthen government collaboration.
