BBC Morning Live presenter Gethin Jones says he “could not be more proud” to be appointed Team Wales’ chef de mission for this summer’s Commonwealth Games.
Jones was appointed to the role last summer, having previously served as team attaché at the 2018 Games on the Gold Coast. He will now be the figurehead of Team Wales at this year’s Games in Glasgow, which kicks off in July. As chef de mission, he is reponsible for leading and motivating athletes and support staff, representing Wales at official functions and acting as a spokesperson for the team.
Jones Leads Commonwealth Day Celebrations
Having started his new role, the Cardiff-born presenter led Wales’ Commonwealth Day celebrations in the capital. The event brought together aspiring Team Wales athletes and local primary school children as the countdown to Glasgow continues.
Hard Work Pays Off
Speaking at the event, Jones said he couldn’t believe his luck when he landed the job, but admitted he had worked hard for it. He went back to university to complete a Master’s degree in Sports Directorship and expand his skillset for the role.
“I could not be more proud to be doing it,” he told the BBC. “I’ve worked hard for it as well. I had a taste of this in 2018 with the Gold Coast as team attaché and it inspired me to want to do more.
“I went back to uni and I did a Master’s degree and spent three or four years in as many sports as I could, learning as much as I could.
“When the job opportunity came up, I went for it and went throught the interview processes and everything that came with it and I couldn’t believe my luck getting the job.
Bringing Team Wales Together
On what the role entails, Jones added: “My challenge, I suppose, is trying to bring 10 sports together who very much compete individually throughout the year, but for the Commonwealth Games, we come together under the Team Wales umbrella.
“This is another event in the Team Wales calendar to get us excited for what’s to come on Commonwealth Day. The focus has very much been on the younger generation, we’ve had local primary schools, a couple of them grilling me on stage about my role as chef de mission.
“Also, we’re getting the chance to mingle with some of our athletes who will hopefully be making it to the Commonwealth Games and inspiring that next generation, and generally trying to raise awareness of the Commonwealth Games happening in Glasgow at the end of July.”
After being appointed to the role last summer, the former Blue Peter presenter said it was a “tremendous honour,” adding: “I look forward to working alongside our athletes, coaches, and support staff to deliver a performance that reflects the pride and passion of Wales.
“Since my involvement in 2018 I knew I wanted to be involved with Team Wales again, and I knew I needed to develop my skills and knowledge of leadership, governance and a build a deeper understanding of performance at an elite level. I am really honoured to be Chef de Mission for Team Wales.”