COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Lovie Santana, the Trinidad and Tobago Chef de Mission for Birmingham 2022, experienced the full range of British weather when attending last month's open days for this year's Commonwealth Games.

Perry is Birmingham 2022’s official mascot!

Fifty-eight countries visited Birmingham as part of Commonwealth Games preparations ©Birmingham 2022

Fifty-eight countries and territories were represented as Chef de Missions and other officials travelled to Birmingham as part of planning for this year's Commonwealth Games.

The CGF is to adhere to the gender guidelines put in place by International Federations for Birmingham 2022 ©Getty Images

A transgender cyclist could compete at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham following the approval of new gender rules by the Commonwealth Games Federation.

T&T goal-defence Aniecia Baptiste in action against Jamaica during the opening clash of a three-match series at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston, Jamaica in October 2021. T&T fell to a 71-22 defeat. (Courtesy Netball Jamaica) Netball Jamaica

The "Calypso Girls" will open the netball competition at the Commonwealth Games against host England on July 29 at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.

TIME IS RIGHT: Brian Lewis

Lewis supports Commonwealth Games’ decision to allow podium protests.

T&T Olympic Committee president Brian Lewis.

T&T Olympic Committee president Brian Lewis is pleased by the move of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) in giving athletes the freedom to protest on the podium at this year's event to be held in Birmingham, England.

More than 4,500 athletes are expected to compete at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games ©Getty Images

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is "supportive of freedom of expression" and "understands that athletes may want to make positive expressions of their values", subject to its Charter of Good Conduct.

A statue in honour of Tommie Smith and John Carlos on the campus of San Jose State University

"It's going to be fresh, something new, something changing and in most instances eye-opening," explains Commonwealth Games Federation chief Brendan Williams.

Queen Elizabeth II has said she is looking forward to next year's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham ©Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth II has claimed the Baton for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is providing a "beacon of hope" as it makes it journey around the world.