The team will be led by Chef de Mission Alison Moffitt-Robinson, who will fit her duties around her full-time job at Ulster University, where she works in Sports Development. A former international Javelin thrower, Alison has been an integral part of TeamNI at six Commonwealth Games and three Commonwealth Youth Games, stretching back to Kuala Lumpur in 1998. Formally from Bangor but now based in the Ballymoney area, Alison will have overall responsibility for all aspects of team preparation and delivery.
Providing assistance with all things sport related will be Stephen Martin MBE, Ulster Graduate and three time Olympian and Hockey Gold Medal winner at the 1988 Seoul Games. Stephen brings vast experience to the General Team Manager (Sport) post after twenty years of team management roles within TeamGB and Team Ireland. A former board member at the UK Sports Institute and the Irish Institute of Sport, he has extensive knowledge of high-performance sporting systems. Stephen will work with SportNI and governing bodies of sport to maximise performance at Birmingham 2022.
Current NICGC Business & Operations Manager, Conal Heatley, who is a current Ulster University student, will fill the role of General Team Manager (Operations) and will manage the team’s administration, logistics and governance. A former inter-county Gaelic footballer and previously Secretary General of Triathlon Ireland, he has been a member of TeamNI management at the last three editions of both the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games.
Alison Moffitt-Robinson – Chef de Mission, TeamNI said:
“It’s a fantastic honour to lead TeamNI into the Birmingham Games. Although I have been part of the management group at a number of previous Games, I’m looking forward to this different challenge as we put together a team which will hopefully do Northern Ireland proud. It’s always exciting to work with a committed group of athletes, coaches and support staff.”
Robert McVeigh – Chair, Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council said:
“This is the first step on the road to Birmingham, as we announce the first three members of the management team. I’m particularly delighted to see Alison become the first female Chef de Mission for TeamNI after her immense contribution at previous Games. She will be ably supported by Conal and Stephen who will add their vast experience. We look forward to working with the Commonwealth sporting movement, our member sports, SportNI and local authorities as we prepare for the Games in 2022.”