Commonwealth Games – All You Should Know
The Commonwealth Games are an international sporting competition that takes place every four years and is open to teams from across the Commonwealth. It has been ongoing since 1930, with the exception of the wartime years of 1942 and 1946. The British Empire Games were held from 1930 to 1950; however, as athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations will be competing, the name has been changed to the Commonwealth Games. The Commonwealth Games are not only among the most well-known multi-sport competitions in the world, but they are also among the most inclusive. The medals won by disabled athletes are counted alongside those won by their nation because they are regarded as full members of their national teams.
Commonwealth Games – Who Can Compete?
A nation used to need some connection to the British Empire in order to join the Commonwealth, but that is no longer required. In essence, it was created so that nearly every nation could participate and work together to achieve their own growth. The Commonwealth only consists of 54 nations, yet about 72 teams compete in the Commonwealth Games. The reason for this is that some dependent governments choose competing under their own flag. For instance, during the Olympic Games, the UK will compete as the UK. They will compete separately as England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games.
Commonwealth Games – About Hosting Nation
Unsurprisingly, a large event requires a large organizing group. The Commonwealth Games Federation, or CGF, is in charge of doing this. They must determine the sports that will be played at the games as well as the towns that will host them. People will tune in to watch more than just sports, though. There are planning committees for all of the festivities, including the opening ceremony, the Queen’s Baton Relay, and the closing ceremony. With over 5,000 athletes, over 15 sports, and over 250 events, the members of these committees have a very difficult job.
Queen’s Baton Relay In Commonwealth Games
The Queen’s Baton Relay is a relay that will go around the world until the event starts, much like the Olympic Torch Relay. Typically, it will begin at Buckingham Palace, where Queen Elizabeth will engrave a message on the baton in her capacity as leader of the Commonwealth. It will be returned to her during the opening ceremony so she can read it out loud. Then, let the competition begin! The distance the baton must go is not specified, but in 2000, it travelled through 23 countries and travelled almost 60,000 miles!
List Of Commonwealth Games Winners
Here is the list of the top winners of commonwealth games in the history-