Who we are
The Commonwealth Games Association of the Isle of Man (CGA) is a non-profit organisation, solely run by volunteers. The CGA is responsible for the publicity, fund raising, travel and support of Team Isle of Man and for the accreditation of athletes and officials to each Commonwealth Games.
What we do
Before each Games the CGA has to raise significant funds to cover the costs of travel, uniforms and equipment for both team members and team officials. With today’s standard of competition, our athletes need access to professional coaching, sports science testing, physiotherapy, sports psychologists, medical checks and treatment, nutritional advice and the opportunity to gain experience at high class competitions, by regularly competing off Island.
Supporting the CGA is the Strategy Committee and the Appeals Committee, responsible for fund raising. Volunteers kindly give up a great deal of their time to ensure our established athletes and young hopefuls get all the necessary support in the four years leading up to the Games. Meticulous preparation for the Games themselves ensures our athletes have all the assistance they need so they can compete at their very best and hopefully win a medal.
The third Commonwealth Youth Games are being held in Pune, India in October 2008. The city of Delhi, the capital of India, will host the main Commonwealth Games in 2010.
Who we work with
We work closely with all the participating sporting bodies and their athletes on the Island and each sport has a representative on the CGA executive committee. In addition, there is a successful partnership with both the Isle of Man Sports Council and the Manx Institute of Sport. These partnerships ensure our athletes get the best possible preparation and funding.
As part of their bid for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the organisers of Delhi made a donation to each Commonwealth Games Association to help prepare their athletes for the Games. This has allowed smaller nations such as the Isle of Man to provide a level of pre-Games training, which previously we were unable to give.
The CGA has set up a preparation programme, which we have trialed with our young athletes who have the potential to make the Pune team. The programme is being run in conjunction with the Isle of Man Institute of Sport and all the athletes have access to the Institute doctor, physiotherapist and a strength and conditioning coach. They can attend workshops on topics such as nutrition, anti-doping, team building and training for success.
To continue this level of support, a great deal of additional funding is required.
How you can help us
We rely on and work closely with Government and local corporate sponsors such as Britannia Building Society, to whom we are very grateful for their continued support. However, without the kindness of the people of the Isle of Man our fundraising efforts would be very difficult indeed.
Much of our sponsorship comes from fundraising events and individual donations and no matter how small, every donation is very welcome.