Commonwealth Games Delhi India 2010 Commonwealth Games India

OTTAWA - Commonwealth Games Canada (CGC) today announced the appointment of Martha Deacon of Cambridge, Ont. as Chef de mission for Team Canada for the 2010 Commonwealth Games to be held October 3-14, 2010 in Delhi, India.

Ms. Deacon has an extensive background in multi-sport games dating back to the 1991 Canada Winter Games where she served as a coach and manager in the sport of badminton. Her past international experience includes a trio of Commonwealth Games as an apprentice coach (1994) and team leader / manager (1998, 2002) in the sport of badminton. She was a member of the Canadian mission team at the 2007 Pan American Games and 2008 Olympic Summer Games in addition to serving in a team services and management role at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Oakville, Ont. native is the outgoing president of Badminton Canada and serves as a board member of the Badminton World Federation in addition to being the Chair of International Events for the Pan American Badminton Confederation.

Ms. Deacon has spent the past 24-years as a professional educator and is currently a Principal in Kitchener.

"I am truly honoured and very proud to represent Canada in such an esteemed role," said Deacon. "It is extremely exciting to be leading Games participants in achieving their own potential of excellence over the next two years, and leaving a legacy of athletic performances and strong Commonwealth relationships. I am most fortunate to have the full support of my husband and daughters, my school board and the Canadian sport community."

"Martha knows the Commonwealth Games well and we are delighted and very proud that she will be our Chef de Mission," said CGC president Dr. Andrew Pipe. "Martha is a seasoned leader with the right mix of experience and knowledge to successfully lead our team in to the complex and exciting atmosphere in Delhi. She has the requisite skills and experience to create world class performance conditions for athletes and deliver on our shared vision for the Games. Martha knows the Commonwealth Games well and we are delighted and very proud that she will be our Chef de Mission."

Deacon begins her term as Chef de Mission immediately and will meet with CGC sport staff in Ottawa to continue the Games planning and preparation processes.