Mica Moore ideaXme sports ambassador and bobsleigh PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games 2018 finalist interviews her first sports industry influencer – David Grevemberg CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation shorty before David plans to set off for the Youth Olympics Buenos Aires 2018.
They speak about the Commonwealth Games Federation values and mission, the Youth Commonwealth Games, and Northern Ireland’s loss of their right to host the tournament. Furthermore, they discuss global issues, opportunities and funding in sport and how some are reflected in Nike’s new controversial commercial. Lastly, David provides advice for aspiring leaders and tells Mica whom he would like to meet and the question he would like to ask that person.
ideaXme interview with David Grevemberg
The Commonwealth Games Mission
Mica Moore: [00:00:13] The Commonwealth Games values are reflected in your tagline Humanity, Equality and Destiny. Your objectives are to embrace Humanity, promote Equality and help people achieve their Destiny. How do you ensure that diversity in sport is encouraged?
David Grevemberg: [00:00:34] Humanity reflects that we are all about people. Equality is how you give people access and include them. And Destiny is about how we create opportunities that unleash, unchain and unshackle and help people to attain their ambitions and their aspirations.
David Grevemberg: [00:01:05] We’re in the business of creating people’s proudest moments. We have a unique and special place in the world. Moreover, a unique place in the world of sport. We can move the dial on some big issues but also showcase the power of sport to bring people together.
Youth Commonwealth Games Funding
Mica Moore: Northern Ireland lost their bid to host the Youth Commonwealth Games 2021 recently. Even though the bidding will re-open what effect do you think this has on youth sport?
David Grevemberg: [00:02:06] It is just a sign of the times. Whether it’s the youth games, the main games, the Commonwealth Games or the Olympic Games or any of the other sporting events. We are all faced with similar challenges. We have similar opportunities. Governments, cities in particular who host these events are having to justify their investment and expenditure.
David Grevemberg: [00:02:49] We have been forced to understand the politics and priorities of cities to make sure that our events have an impact. Moreover, it comes down to making sure that we’re in the right place at the right time for the right reasons and working with the right people.
Mica Moore: [00:04:23] Do you think in the future that two cities might host the Games to take the pressure of funding?
David Grevemberg: [00:04:36] Yes, look at Glasgow for example. It was Glasgow’s Games and Scotland’s celebration because you had the various sports that were sprinkled across the rest of Scotland.
David Grevemberg: [00:05:06] We’re looking at new and creative ways of making them accessible, inclusive and impactful. We wouldn’t take the joint hosting proposal off the table.
Mica Moore: [00:07:44] You spoke about working with diverse cities and people. As a community leader what voice do you want to project for the athletes?
David Grevemberg: [00:08:06] I’ve always tried to challenge people whether as a board member, as a sports manager, or as a coach or athlete to be true to themselves, also to stand behind a belief, a purpose or a cause. In short, to stand by something that is bigger than themselves.
David Grevemberg: [00:08:41] There has been a tendency for a myopic focus on just the’ high performance’ element, and I think we see this flexing. Sport is now going beyond high- performance achievement.
We want to help and support athletes to ensure that their performance has an impact not only on the field of play but in whatever cause or whatever community they represent.
We need to create a safe place where those courageous conversations can take place and enable athletes to take brave and bold action.
Nike’s Just Do It commercial “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.”
Mica Moore: [00:10:49]. You spoke previously about the qualities that inspirational leaders in sport should have. What’s your opinion of the Nike commercial featuring Colin Kaepernick?
David Grevemberg [00:12:47] One person’s protest is another person’s advocacy campaign. More brands are going to champion causes. Athletes will increasingly champion causes. It won’t just be about the performance in the field but what they represent off the field.
Words of inspiration
Mica Moore: [00:19:52] You’re an inspirational leader. What advice would you give to someone who’d like to be an inspiring leader?
David Grevemberg: [00:20:32] My grandfather said to me once: “respect everyone and fear no one” and that played well in terms of sport. Respect everyone in everything you do but don’t be fearful. Build up courage and build the resilience to be courageous.
Whom would David like to meet and what would he like to ask that person.
Mica Moore: [00:22:33] You meet a vast array of individuals. Out of everyone you’ve met, or you haven’t had the privilege to meet yet. Who would you like to meet and what question would you ask them?
David Grevemberg: [00:22:54] He has unfortunately passed on, and we recognise his contribution to the world and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Madiba Nelson Mandela, I would love to have met him. I have obviously read his biography The Long Walk to Freedom. I am a big advocate for issues around social justice. The question I would have asked him: “what is the essence of resilience?”
[00:24:01] Is it belief? Is it a sense of identity? Is it a sense of belonging? What is it? I think that is quite defining right now in this world. A lot of the challenges we are seeing in the world of sport and the world at large have to do with how we have nurtured resilience individually and collectively.There are some amazing stories of resilience. We need to tell those stories. I think that sport has an important role in that storytelling, as well as celebrating amazing feats, endeavours and accomplishments.
David Grevemberg: [00:25:46] To simplify what is the essence of resilience and to have been given some guidance and perspective on that from him would have been quite remarkable given everything he has seen and experienced.
Mica Moore:[00:26:04] Thank you so much for allowing me to chat with you today.
Mica Moore: [00:26:08] My pleasure.
David Grevemberg: [00:26:11] Best of luck with getting your ideaXme interviews and your show on the road!
Photographic Credits: The Commonwealth Games Federation.
Credits: Mica Moore interview text, and audio
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