Commonwealth Games
The first Commonwealth Games (then known as the 'Empire Games') were held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada. 11 countries sent 400 athletes to take part in 6 sports and 59 events. Since then, the Games have been staged every four years (except for 1942 and 1946 due to World War II) and the event has grown rapidly in size and prestige.
Often referred to as the 'Friendly Games', given the relaxed and happy atmosphere, competition is as keen at any other international event. The Queen's Baton Relay is one of the great traditions of the Commonwealth Games, having been the curtain-raiser to every Games since Cardiff, 1958. The relay symbolises the gathering of people from across the Commonwealth at the four-yearly festival of sport and culture.
The relay traditionally begins with a ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London, which coincides with the city's Commonwealth Day festivities. There, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II entrusts the baton containing her message to the athletes to the first honorary relay runner. The relay eventually concludes at the Opening Ceremony of the Games, as the final runner hands the baton back to Her Majesty and the message is read aloud. At that moment, the relay ends and the Games begin.
Over the years, the Queen's Baton Relay has evolved into a powerful symbol of the unity and diversity of the Commonwealth. With each Games, the tradition grows in scale and significance – including more nations, involving more participants and generating more excitement than ever before.
In 2002, the Games were held in Manchester, in the UK. Athletes competed at the highest level, breaking a number of world records, and – in a unique development – elite athletes with a disability competed in events in a fully inclusive sports programme. This continued in Melbourne, Australia in 2006 where the athletes took part in athletics, swimming, table tennis and power-lifting.
Delhi, India will host the 19th Commonwealth Games from 3-14 October, 2010 and Glasgow, Scotland will host the Games in 2014.
In the year 2000, the Commonwealth Youth Games were also introduced. Open to athletes under 18 years of age, the Youth Games provide a unique opportunity for aspiring young athletes from across the Commonwealth to compete in a world-class competition. The inaugural games were held in Edinburgh and, in 2004, in Bendigo, Australia. In 2008, Pune in India hosts the third Commonwealth Youth Games.
For more information visit www.commonwealthgames.com/