The Secretary of State has appointed Professor Geoff Thompson MBE DL and Ama Agbeze MBE to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee
Professor Geoff Thompson MBE DL has been appointed as Deputy Chair and Ama Agbeze MBE as a Board Member of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee until 30 June 2023. Ama will serve as Chair of the Committee’s Athletes Advisory sub-committee.
Professor Geoff Thompson MBE DL
Geoff Thompson is a former five time world karate champion and sports administrator, which has seen him deliver social and human initiatives with specific emphasis on equality, diversity and inclusion. He is Founder of Youth Charter, a UK-based international charity and UN NGO. Geoff has also held a number of private and public board appointments including: London Legacy Development Corporation, Muhammad Ali Center and is Chair of the Independent Advisory Panel of the PFA.
He has delivered strategies within the bidding, hosting and legacy of major games including the Manchester 2002 and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Geoff was awarded an MBE for his services to sport.
Ama Agbeze MBE
Ama gained her first cap for the England Roses in 2001 and captained the Team England netball team to its historic gold medal at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Australia. She received an MBE for her services to netball in 2019.
An in depth knowledge of international sport combined with her legal qualification provided the basis, in recent years, for her taking roles as ambassador, trustee and/or board member to various charitable organisations and Commonwealth Games England. In the corporate space Ama delivers motivational talks focussing on leadership, development, team cohesion and striving for success. She has used her experience and platform to be a thought leader in racial equality, youth, and female empowerment. Ama also provides coaching centred around body positivity and participation.
These roles are not remunerated. The appointments have been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The Government’s Governance Code requires that any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years is declared. This is defined as holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation or candidature for election. Professor Thompson and Ama Agbeze have not declared any activity.