GEOFF THOMPSON is one of the leading youth activists and experts in sports development and politics with over 25 years experience in the bidding and hosting and legacy of major games and the positive impact of sport and the arts in the social and human development of young people and communities.

He is founder and chair of the Youth Charter, a UK registered charity and United Nations accredited Non Governmental Organisation established in 1993. 
Thompson is a former five times world karate champion and holder of over 50 national and international titles and has been inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

He is the deputy chair at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Here he talks about his some of his aspirations for next year’s event…

RH: How does it feel to be deputy chair for Birmingham 2022?

GT: I feel a profound sense of responsibility to the Diaspora of the Commonwealth that I represent, personally and professionally. I also feel a great deal of excitement and see these Games as an opportunity for rebuilding and reconnecting with the lives of the young people and communities that I have always been committed to for the last 28 years through the Youth Charter. But more importantly it’s about working on providing legacy before, during and after the Games.

Birmingham 2022 has a real chance to uplift us all after the events of the last year or so, doesn’t it?

I’d say that these Games have a greater responsibility than what London 2012 had. Those Games left an indelible mark in everyone’s hearts and minds, I think we can recreate that even more so. Birmingham is a sporting city. There’s a chance to regenerate, renew and deliver a Games that is about hearts and minds. I’ve spent the last three or four months consulting on every single aspect of the event, from planning and development and with a year approaching, about the execution of the Games. Every Games has its unique footprint in terms of challenges and opportunities. These will be a Games of equality, diversity and inclusion.

What are some of the challenges as the city prepares for the Games?

These will be the first Games developed remotely because of the pandemic. That is a great tribute to everyone associated with the Games. Covid is still very much part of our daily lives. The challenge these Games faced was a lack of diversity, reflecting a city that uniquely sees all of the Commonwealth nations represented in its citizens. When the George Floyd moment hit us all, Birmingham 2022 responded in the right and appropriate way. They did so by getting their own house in order. Birmingham and sport has to help reset the dial. Once you have your own house in order you can re-engage with the community. We have a diverse board now, we have local faces. I’m a native of the West Midlands and I want those young people on the streets, to know that these Games are for them. My job, along with others, is to make sure that these young people know we want them involved.

It’s about the emotional and mental wellbeing of our young people in the city, the country and the Commonwealth. The likes of the Hometown Heroes and volunteering initiatives are vital. Our community has to be alive to these ideas too and embrace them. Everyone has to collaborate.

What would you say to the young people in the city who have their doubts about what the Commonwealth Games will provide for them?

I know that some feelings on the streets are still raw and some are yet to be convinced but that’s what us ambassadors have to do. I will be visiting Birmingham and taking to the streets. Youth Charter will always be in that space. Tensions are high and we have to deal with it, and I and others are committed to doing that. It is a big job but after 38 years in public life, it’s why I took this position as we have to achieve it.

We have to take the opportunities. The Youth Charter has a proven track record in the creation and delivery of social and human development programmes with the overall aim of providing young people with an opportunity to develop in life. We have some extraordinary achievers just in the West Midlands like Judy Simpson, Tessa Sanderson, Kerrith Brown and Densign White to name just a few. I want them all to engage with our young people and wider society and bring it all to life. Sport transcends and it will be a festival, but it’s not always about winning and ruthless competitors.

How has your competitive life and experiences helping you with your current role?

It’s helped me build a resilience. I’m a great believer in longevity, consistency, perseverance and dedication if you truly believe that you are there for something more than yourself. I am from the school of hard knocks. I have a degree in common sense and I now have a PhD in wisdom when it comes to this subject. I bring an authentic, real life experience to our young people. I have been there for them and remain so.

What’s the vibe in Birmingham as the Games rapidly approach?

There’s already a great vibe of expectation. It is a unique city, it has a big heart and personality. Birmingham is well placed to help the UK reset. This will be the ultimate Games for me. There is no better moment in time.

How is the role consuming your time?

Anyone who knows me, and my wife will attest to this, I rise far too early in the mornings now visualising, it’s in my DNA. I’m pursuing excellence which means that you have to plan, prepare and present. I’m a leader by example. The spirit of the Games will be critical next year. It’s a fantastic opportunity and there won’t be any excuses from me.