Ambassador Dr. Clarence E. Pilgrim has recommended that the first draft of the St. John’s Sports Pledge be completed within 90 days, setting a clear target for translating the commitments emerging from the Commonwealth Sport Summit in Antigua and Barbuda into an actionable framework.
The recommendation is intended to sustain the momentum generated by the summit and establish a defined timetable for consultation and drafting.
The summit was held in St. John’s on 2 November 2026. The pledge contains ten proposed commitments under three themes: building resilient, healthy and inclusive societies; advancing economic prosperity through sport; and strengthening unity, culture and international cooperation.
Dr. Pilgrim is proposing a focused 90-day process involving Commonwealth Games Associations, governments, national sporting organisations, athletes and other relevant stakeholders.
He believes the first draft should go beyond general declarations and establish clear priorities, measurable objectives, institutional responsibilities and a framework for implementation.
Particular attention should be given to expanding opportunities for small and developing Commonwealth states, strengthening youth and athlete development, improving access to sporting facilities, promoting inclusion and mobilising investment in sport.
The drafting process should also identify potential sources of support and propose arrangements for monitoring progress and reporting on results.
These elements would help ensure that the pledge is practical, measurable and capable of delivering tangible outcomes.
Commonwealth Sport has indicated that the draft pledge will be developed in consultation with its member Commonwealth Games Associations before being shared with governments for consideration through the Commonwealth Sport Coordination Forum.
Dr. Pilgrim’s recommendation would introduce a specific 90-day target for producing the first draft. Subsequent consultation, agreement and formal adoption would remain subject to the appropriate Commonwealth procedures.
The proposal seeks to position the St. John’s Sports Pledge as a practical instrument for advancing sport as a contributor to youth development, economic opportunity, social inclusion and sustainable development throughout the Commonwealth.
The measure of success will not simply be the completion of the first draft, but whether the pledge ultimately translates into tangible opportunities and lasting benefits for Commonwealth citizens.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: First Draft of St. John’s Sports Pledge Recommended Within 90 Days.