The Global Esports Federation (GEF) has signed an exploratory partnership with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), to develop an esports strategy. At this point, it’s not clear which video game titles or planned events will become the focus of the collaboration, only that the goal was “exploring and developing athlete-centered, sport-focused initiatives and campaigns,” with a focus on “Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, Integrity, and Innovation.”
In a statement, CGF President Dame Louise Martin said the federation had recognized the dramatic rise of esports in recent years, particularly the participation of young people. The announcement noted that 65% of the Commonwealth’s 2B citizens are under the age of 30.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in esports globally has continued to increase significantly which demonstrates an important characteristic of connecting people during a difficult period,” said Martin.
The GEF was established in late-2019, with Tencent Esports as a founding partner. Its president, Chris Chan, is also secretary-general of Singapore’s National Olympic Council, and much of its senior management are highly influential figures in the Olympic movement.
First held in 1930, the Commonwealth Games features 54 member nations, and 71 participating teams. Its most recent games were held in Queensland, Australia, in 2018. Construction work on the 2022 games, to be held in Birmingham, England, has been suspended due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
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