Commonwealth Games Federation Honors its CEO

(ATR)The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) honored chief executive officer Michael Hooper with a lifetime membership on Tuesday.

Hooper received the award during the CGF's General Assembly.

The CGF appointed Hooper CEO in 2000.Since then, CGF says Hooper has "transformed" the federation from a small volunteer-based administration to a professional operation that has supported the Games in Australia, India, and the United Kingdom.

Hooper also helped develop processes related to choosing a host city for the Commonwealth Games. He played a leading role in securing bids for Glasgow, the Gold Coast, Canada, and South Africa.

"[Hooper] has worked tirelessly for the success of the Commonwealth Games and the stability of the CGF, and also for the strengthening of sport within the Commonwealth,"CGF president Tunku Imran told the assembly.

In January, Hooper announced he would step down as CEO following the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Former Commonwealth Games chairman Ian Emmerson also received a lifetime membership. Emmerson was chairman from 1998 to 2007 and is also a former CGF regional vice president.

Orders of Merit were awarded to former Bahamas Olympic Committee presidentArlington Butler,Charles Flowers,Edward Pitts, andAbdoulie Touray.

Tuesday marks the eve of the 2014 Commonwealth Games set to run in Glasgow, Scotland until August 3.

Written byNicole Bennett

Home page photo: 2014 Commonwealth Games Federation

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