Denise Lewis believes next year's Commonwealth Games represents a "beacon of light" amid the coronavirus pandemic as Birmingham 2022 unveils Perry the Bull as its official mascot.
Preparations for Birmingham 2022 have been stepped up with the countdown clock now under 500 days.
And Perry – a bull to reflect the city's long association with the animal and covered in multi-coloured hexagons to symbolise the coming together of the Commonwealth – will be the first mascot at any multi-sport Games brought to life through augmented reality.
Lewis, president of Commonwealth Games England, said: "There's a whole conversation piece about diversity and inclusion on every level.
"Board level should be reflected in our teams that compete. I'm glad the Birmingham Organising Committee and their board have looked inward despite that they may have been prompted from outside.
"They've had the courage to look inward and make those changes. It's right."
:: Perry the bull is the first mascot at a multi-sport games to be created in augmented reality, allowing people to #PoseWithPerry in their own homes. The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will be held from July 28 to August 8, 2022. Find out more at www.birmingham2022.com
