Australian Commonwealth Games Association

File:Australian Commonwealth Games Association seal.svg

Seal of the Australian Commonwealth Games Association

The Australian Commonwealth Games Association (ACGA) is the national body responsible for Commonwealth Games operations, publicity and development in Australia, specifically providing and organising funding, clothing, travel, accommodation and accreditation of athletes and officials to each Commonwealth Games. The ACGA is both an incorporated association and a non-profit organisation.

Aims

The main functions of the ACGA are to:

• promote the ideals of the Commonwealth Games throughout Australia;
• prepare athletes for the Games by providing support such as funding for international competition;
• select athletes, coaches, managers, medical personnel and officials to be included in the Australian Team at the Games;
• coordinate and manage the participation of Program Sports and their respective athletes and officials at the Commonwealth Games;
• contribute to the development of Australia's high performance junior athletes through the Australian Junior Commonwealth Games Squad Program (AJCGS), and through participation in the Commonwealth Youth Games.

The ACGA was involved in the organisation of the 2004 Commonwealth Youth Games, which were held in the Australian city of Bendigo.

History

From the concept of "a British Empire Sports Festival" by the Englishman, J Astley Cooper, the idea was promoted in Australia by B J Parkinson in Victoria and Richard Coombes in New South Wales who was President of the Amateur Athletic Union of Australia.

The Australian sports council is also linked

The association is important in gaining funding for participation in games