What are the Commonwealth Games?
The Commonwealth Games are a big international multi-sport event. Athletes from countries all over the Commonwealth come together to compete in many different sports. It’s often called the ‘Friendly Games’ because it focuses on friendly competition and shared values.
Unlike the Olympic Games, only countries that are part of the Commonwealth can take part. This makes it a special event that celebrates the connections between these nations. The Games are held every four years, bringing excitement and sporting spirit to a new host city.
A Brief History
The idea for a multi-sport event for the British Empire was first suggested in 1891. However, it wasn’t until 1930 that the very first Games were held. These were called the British Empire Games and took place in Hamilton, Canada.
Over the years, as the British Empire changed, so did the name of the Games. They were known as the British Empire and Commonwealth Games from 1954 to 1966, and then the British Commonwealth Games from 1970 to 1974. Finally, in 1978, they became known as the Commonwealth Games, which is the name we use today.
Who Competes?
Athletes from 72 nations and territories usually take part in the Commonwealth Games. These are all members of the Commonwealth of Nations, a group of countries with historical links to the United Kingdom. It’s a wonderful way for these diverse nations to come together through sport.
England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland compete as separate teams, not as one Great Britain team like in the Olympics. This means British schoolchildren can cheer for their own nation! Many smaller islands and territories, like Jersey or the Isle of Man, also send their own teams.
The Queen’s Baton Relay
Before each Commonwealth Games, there is a special tradition called the Queen’s Baton Relay. A baton, which holds a message from the Head of the Commonwealth (the Monarch), travels to all the nations and territories taking part.
The relay begins at Buckingham Palace in London, often with the Monarch placing their message inside the baton. It then journeys thousands of miles, carried by thousands of people, before arriving at the opening ceremony of the Games. It’s a symbol of unity and a countdown to the start of the competition.
You can learn more about the British Royal Family and their role in the Commonwealth.
Sports and Inclusivity
A wide variety of sports are featured at the Commonwealth Games, from athletics and swimming to gymnastics and boxing. Some popular team sports include rugby sevens and netball.
The Commonwealth Games are also famous for being very inclusive. They were the first major multi-sport event to include para-sports (sports for athletes with disabilities) on the main programme, fully integrated with the able-bodied events. This means para-athletes compete for the same medals and get the same recognition as other athletes.
Interesting Facts About the Games
There are many fascinating things to know about the Commonwealth Games. Here are some special facts:
| Fact |
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| Unique Teams |
The Commonwealth Games are the only major multi-sport event where England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland compete as separate teams. |
Written by Mandy Barrow
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Special Days in December
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Learn about Christmas in England from the children who live in Britain Christmas traditions why do what we do at chrsitmas time
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All Year Round
Facts, Folklore, Superstitions, Festivals and Special Days for each month of the Year. Includes an list of anniversaries for each month. |
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National Awareness Days Calendar
Many charities and other organisations have special days and weeks like 'The Big Hush' or Children in Need. Find out what event is happening this month/year and when. |
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Multi faith Calendar
World Religions Calendar
A colourful month by month list of all the main religious festivals. |
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All the materials on these pages are free for homework and classroom use only. You may not redistribute, sell or place the content of this page on any other website or blog without written permission from the . |
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is the creator of the Woodlands Resources section of the Woodlands Junior website.
The two websites projectbritain.com and primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk are the new homes for the Woodlands Resources.
left Woodlands in 2003 to work in Kent schools as an ICT Consulatant.
She now teaches computers at The Granville School and St. John's Primary School in Sevenoaks Kent.
Woodlands Junior Homework Help new website
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