OBE for former Commonwealth Games Wales boss

Chris Jenkins, former CEO of Commonwealth Games Wales (CGW) and now a research student at the University of South Wales, has been awarded an OBE in the King’s first Birthday Honours, for his services to sport.

As head of CGW, Chris led Team Wales to four Commonwealth Games, and delivered the Queen’s Baton Relay ahead of the Delhi, Glasgow, Gold Coast and Birmingham Games. Under Chris’ leadership, CGW shifted its focus from a single event that takes place every four years, to ensuring that sport is relevant in Wales every day. Chris also had an integral role in the Return to Sport committee in Wales following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chris first entered the world of Commonwealth Games in 1986, when he represented Wales in rowing at the 1986 Games in Edinburgh – the last time rowing was included as a recognised sport in the competition. He continued to row for Wales alongside his 20-year financial career in the City of London, before moving back to Wales in 2004 and volunteering with the Welsh team ahead of the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

At that time CGW was entirely volunteer-led, and Chris became the organisation’s first employee. He went on to work as CEO until autumn 2022 – just after the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, which was hugely successful for Team Wales, bringing home a total of 28 medals.

“There is no better job than working for Team Wales, especially leading them to a Games,” said Chris. “It’s fantastic. It’s highly pressurised, of course; for the last 18 months to two years leading up to a Games, you don’t have a weekend or a holiday, but it’s so worth it when you see the athletes smiling, proud of what they have achieved.”

During his time as CEO, Chris developed a successful partnership with USW, which has seen students benefit from internships and be involved in live projects with Team Wales.

Chris is now Vice President of the Commonwealth Games Federation – the international governing body for Commonwealth Games associations around the world. He balances this role with his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree at USW, while lecturing on the University’s Business Management courses.

His DBA research focuses on how major sporting events like the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games can become more sustainable, attracting more cities to bid to host these multi-sport Games.

On finding out he had been awarded an OBE, Chris said: “It came as a total surprise, but I was so flattered to have been nominated for such an honour. And to be named in the first birthday honours list from King Charles III makes it even more special.

“I’m looking forward to the official ceremony and celebrating with my family. We’re all delighted.”

Helen Phillips, CGW President, said: “Chris thoroughly deserves this recognition for all he has done for sport in Wales, and his dedication to Team Wales which has been outstanding.”

Gareth Davies, Chair of CGW, said: “I’d like to congratulate Chris on receiving an OBE for his services to sport; a huge accolade which recognises his 17-year commitment to CGW and sport in Wales.”