Our History

The Commonwealth Games is the highest level at which many Manx sportsmen and sportswomen represent the Isle of Man. Our support has also provided a springboard to success for competitors in other sports, in particular cycling, both internationally and worldwide.

Team Isle of Man has participated in the Games since 1958, bringing home 12 medals in total (3 gold, 3 silver, and 6 bronze).

In 2011, the Isle of Man hosted the 4th annual Commonwealth Youth Games, when 1,300 athletes aged 14-18 from 71 countries took part.

As a non-profit organisation, we rely on the generosity of donors and commercial partnerships to help fund our mission, as well as travel and publicity expenses. Working closely with all our participating local sporting bodies, we provide each team member with the best opportunity to grow and develop, and so help them give their best performance at the Games. From selecting the top coaches and officials to designing the latest kit, we have a duty to empower our athletes and to inspire the next generation.

Our relationship with Commonwealth Sport has helped us to promote a healthy set of core values within the Island’s sporting community. Through this union, we have maintained strong connections with our athletes and officials. By working to incorporate their values and aims into our own activities, we ensure equality and diversity is recognised and respected within Team Isle of Man.

With the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2026, we are committed to delivering the best support possible for Team Isle of Man. We strive to lead, guide and support the Isle of Man’s sportsmen and sportswomen, helping them to achieve sporting excellence at the Games.

Our Mission…

  • To provide a clear pathway to the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games.
  • To support the athletes, coaches and administrators in their quest for excellence at the highest level.
  • The Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games are held every four years. For Isle of Man athletes the events provide the opportunity to compete against world-class competition on an international stage.

The Commonwealth Games Association of the Isle of Man (CGA) is a charity which gives Team Isle of Man the opportunity to compete at the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games.

What we do:

Our primary roles are to:

  • Manage the ongoing relationship with the Commonwealth Sport which includes brand management, and representing the Isle of Man at key meetings.
  • Liaison with the sports associations on the Island through the CGA IOM Meetings which will include, ongoing board meetings and meetings with sports representatives.
  • Responsible for team selection, this includes appointing a selection committee and develop a selection criteria in accordance with CGF requirements with the co-operation of the Isle of Man sports associations.
  • Management of Games logistics which include, kit design as well as to appoint,train and develop the officials that are needed to support the athletes.
  • Ensure that the athletes have to support they need to reach their potential by raising sufficient funds to enable the Isle of Man team to attend the Games and to support the athletes in enabling peak performances.

Our Committee

Our executive team are well-respected within the Isle of Man’s sporting community.

Basil Bielich

President - Basil Bielich

Basil Bielich joined the Board in 2017 as President of the CGA of the Isle of Man. He has been involved with several charities, associations and sports clubs and is the Chair of the Manx Solidarity Fund.

Erica Bellhouse

Chef de Mission – Erica Bellhouse

Erica has been Chef de Mission for the CGA of  the 2022 Games in Birmingham.

For many years, Erica has played a key role within the Manx sporting community. Her involvement with cycling, gymnastics and the Isle of Man Swimming Club has helped drive the success of Manx athletes within these sports.

Graeme Hatcher

Team Manager – Graeme Hatcher

Three-time Commonwealth Games athlete Graeme Hatcher has more than 25 years’ experience within cycling, both as a competitor and administrator.

Between 2002 and 2010, he represented the Isle of Man in cycling at the Commonwealth Games, alongside Commonwealth Gold medallist Mark Cavendish and Olympic gold medallist Peter Kennaugh.

Micky Swindale

Micky Swindale - Vice President

A keen sportswoman herself, Micky is also a well-known figure within the Isle of Man’s business community.

Micky has been a champion for inclusion and diversity, particularly gender diversity, and it is the opportunity to help to drive diversity in sports that particularly attracts her to the role.