The Commonwealth Games

The first Commonwealth Games were held in 1930 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and 400 athletes from eleven countries took part. Since then, the Games have been held every four years except for 1942 and 1946, due to World War II.

The Games were called the British Empire Games, then the British Empire and Commonwealth Games and after that the British Commonwealth Games. From 1978 onwards they have been known as the Commonwealth Games.

Other Games such as the Asian, Pan Am, African Games and Winter Olympics are based on geography or seasonal sports, the Commonwealth Games were founded on history. The Commonwealth Games are the only Games where all the countries speak English. This creates a friendly atmosphere that has led to the Commonwealth Games being long known as the "Friendly Games".

The Commonwealth Games help to encourage and support health and fitness and inspire youth in the countries which compete.

The next Commonwealth Games will be held in Melbourne, Australia in 2006.

Information about the Games, Commonwealth Countries, and the History of the Games.

 In this section...

Commonwealth Games
Cricket
Formula One
Golf
Olympics
Rugby
Football/Soccer
Tennis
Netball