Comm Games chair, board announced

OUTGOING Richmond Football Club president Peggy O’Neal will lead the organising committee for regional Victoria’s 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Ms O’Neal, the AFL’s first female club president who took the Tigers to three premierships in nine years, was announced as the committee’s chairperson last weekend.

She will be joined on the board by Belinda Duarte and Lisa Gray, along with representatives from the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia.

“I love sport and what it means for communities across Victoria,” Ms O’Neal said.

“I am delighted to be part of the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games and to work with the board to ensure that the diverse voices in our state are heard as we make decisions throughout the delivery of the games.”

The 2026 Games will start with an opening ceremony at the MCG on 17 March before athletes compete in the regional hubs of Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong, and Gippsland.

A statement from the State Government said current estimates are the games will contribute more than $3 billion to Victoria’s economy while thousands of jobs will be created.

Commonwealth Games Legacy Minister Shaun Leane said Ms O’Neal’s experience will ensure the games are a lasting success.

“Peggy has made a significant contribution to the Victorian community through gender equality and developing female leaders in sport,” Mr Leane said.

“We’re excited to bring her leadership to the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games.”

It comes after former Victorian COVID-19 commander Jeroen Weimar was announced chief executive of the Games organising committee.

Mr Weimar said the committee will start finalising the sporting program and location of the village and venues in the coming months.

BY TARA COSOLETO/ AAP