BBC presenter steps away from the TV spotlight as he takes on a new role for Wales

Amelia Jones

A BBC presenter is taking on a main new role away from the tv studio this summer time, as he represents Wales on the worldwide stage.

Gethin Jones, finest identified for his roles on BBC’s Morning Live and Blue Peter, is serving as Chef de Mission for Team Wales at the Glasgow 2026 Games, which formally opened final night time.

The Welsh broadcaster is now tasked with supporting a 114-strong delegation of Welsh athletes as they compete throughout the Games, which run till August 2.

Jones’ appointment means he will probably be at the coronary heart of the Team Wales operation all through the Games, serving to athletes navigate every little thing from the sensible calls for of competing to the pressures that include representing their nation on a global stage.

The opening ceremony at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro marked the official begin of 11 days of competitors, with athletes from 74 nations and territories coming collectively in the Scottish metropolis.

Opening the ceremony, President of the Uganda Olympic Committee Dr Donald Rukare, mentioned: “Tonight, each flag is equal. Every athlete carries the hopes of their nation. Every volunteer, official and supporter turns into a part of one thing greater than themselves. That is Commonwealth Sport … not simply competitors, however connection … not solely medals, however moments that final a lifetime.

“Over the coming days, records will fall, medals will be won, champions will emerge, and somewhere in this city, a young person will watch an athlete and quietly decide, “One day, that will be me.” That is the true legacy of those Games.”

For Jones, the Games symbolize a return to a world he is already aware of. He beforehand served as the Team Wales Attaché at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, an expertise that helped encourage his transfer into sports activities administration.

The former Blue Peter presenter later accomplished a Master’s diploma in Sports Directorship, constructing on his broadcasting profession and former expertise in worldwide sport.

Now, he has returned to the Commonwealth Games in considered one of the most senior roles inside Team Wales.

Jones mentioned: “It’s huge for me as the Chef de Mission for Team Wales, which is a role I’m very proud of and have been working very hard on.”

The role of Chef de Mission is accountable for overseeing the welfare and expertise of the crew all through the Games, making certain athletes have the assist they should carry out at their finest.

Unlike the Olympics, the place Welsh athletes compete as a part of Team GB, the Commonwealth Games give them the alternative to compete particularly for Wales, with the Welsh flag and nationwide id at the centre of the expertise.