Mike Fennel born 11th January 1935; was Managing Director Berger Paints, President, Air Jamaica. Awarded Merit of Order for his contribution towards the commercial development in Jamaica. In 1984 awarded Commander of Order of Distinction and in 1998 awarded the Caribbean Community 25th Anniversary Award. He is currently President of the Commonwealth Games Federation.

In an exclusive interview, Mike Fennel declared that the role of the Commonwealth Games Federation is very clear “to be responsible for those activities organised by the Olympic Committees in the Commonwealth relating to the Commonwealth Games. The Commonwealth Games is our priority and we look to seeing members develop; when this is achieved we will see a wide spread of medals being won by different members.”

Do the Commonwealth Games reflect the culture of the members?

“This can be clearly reflected in our meetings and discussions with different people. When you speak to someone about the Commonwealth the first reference is made to the Games. Athletes from 71 territories within the Commonwealth compete against each other, and one realises the similarities, the diversity and friendships that are developed through these games as better understanding is created, for example, the basic elements for cultural diversity between athletes and its people.

Mike Fennel has had a distinguished career which has taken him to USA, UK and Oceania; these experiences contribute to his current position leading the Commonwealth Games Federation.

Mike Fennel goes on to say that there are two sides in the world of business, that is, you have to learn to negotiate and how to deal with people. “My business career has helped me in my role in the Commonwealth to have a better understanding of the different cultures, religions, and able to assess the difficult environments that the difference Commonwealth countries experience.

“In today’s world you cannot lead unless you work on professional and commercial lines. So far working on these principles has allowed me to achieve what I have set out to accomplish.”

The fact that these games are organised every four years between the Summer Olympiad, are these Games seen as preparation Games for the Olympics?

“Yes and no. A sports calendar is very full and it is very difficult to find an appropriate period. Most agree that these Games should be held before the Olympic Games although there are some who argue they should be after. How the Games are allocated I think works, that is, half way between one Olympic and another. We have athletes and countries participating from all the continents. There are also other Games to consider which include the Pan American, Asian Games, and the Mediterranean Games. Our objective is to find a period where the level of Sport in the Commonwealth countries can develop. We want to help and be part of this process.”

Each previous edition of the Commonwealth Games attracted at least 71 countries taking part in 16 disciplines. Is this the maximum that these Games can reach?

“This is difficult to say: like the Olympics, we have to ensure that the Games do not grow out of control. Obviously each sport discipline would like to see the full range of sports programme possible; however, I believe 16/17 disciplines is more than enough.

“As President, after each Games, we review the Sports Programme and we discuss and decide which Sport deserves to be represented on the Commonwealth Games programme at the same time offering equal opportunities to all sports.

“For example, in 2010 we are considering Cricket, as this is a popular sport in the Commonwealth. As the games will be hosted in Delhi, India this is another valid reason to include cricket on the programme as this is the most popular sport in this country.

Manchester 2002, Melbourne 2006 and Delhi 2010 – does this mean that you have to be a large City/Country to host these Games?

“The need is for an infrastructure and proper facilities that are capable of handling 4,500/5,000 athletes and 1,500 officials, a total of 6,500 people, this is a large number of people to cater for; not all cities can. However certain towns can organise specific discipline related championships or regional competitions.”

Mike Fennel went on to conclude in this interview an explanation of the motto of the 18th Edition of the Commonwealth Games Federation “United by the Moment”.

Emphasising on the word ‘United’, he went on to say that we live in a difficult world, the world is divided by race, by wealth and different cultures and religion.

“We have to understand that the greatest aspect of Sport is how it unites people. In Melbourne we want to see this. We will have 10 days of competition, 71 countries from different cultural backgrounds. Together we will be united as one population. This is our goal and I am sure we can achieve this. When this can be achieved the whole world will have won!” he said.

Hammer-thrower of Maltese origin becomes Italy junior no.1

The Malta Olympic Committee is proud to announce that a Maltese-born hammer thrower, Daniele mangiafico, has been crowned champion after winning his category (youths) at the Italian national championships for cadets organized by the Italian Athletics Federation earlier this month.

The MOC said that Mangiafico was born in Floriana in 1990 to a Maltese mother.

A statement from the MOC said the youngster outshone all the other competitors with a record winning throw of 63.17 metres.

Mangiafico, a resident of Sicily, has been on the threshold of such a major feat for the past 18 months.

Thanks to his total commitment he has managed to achieve this outstanding result and become champion in a top country such as Italy which prides itself of a strong and well-rooted sports culture, the MOC said.

FIDAL said Mangiafico has a bright future and is a medal hopeful for the London Olympics in 2012.