The Commonwealth Games have been a source of national pride for countries around the world since 1930. From athletes representing their countries in various sports to the various venues that have been the site of the Games, these events have seen some of the most memorable moments in sporting history. Here are 10 interesting facts about the Commonwealth Games that you may not have known.
1. The first games were held in Canada in 1930!
The games have been around for a long time!
They started in 1930.
The first ever games were held in Hamilton, Canada.
However, they weren’t always known as the Commonwealth Games…
2. It used to be known as the British Empire Games.
The Commonwealth Games haven’t always been known as this.
First of all it was known as the British Empire Games.
In 1954 the name was changed to the British Empire and Commonwealth Games.
It was changed AGAIN to the British Commonwealth Games in 1970.
Then, in 1978 the name was changed to what we know today…
The Commonwealth Games!
3. The Commonwealth Games is being held in Birmingham in 2022!
This year the Commonwealth Games are being held in Birmingham!
It will be happening between 28th July until 8th August 2022.
The games have been held in the UK before including in Cardiff, Edinburgh, London and Manchester.
4. All people taking part have to be amateurs!
All of the athletes taking part have to be amateurs.
This means they are not paid to take part.
They are all still very good at their chosen sport though!
5. The Commonwealth is a group of countries that used to be a part of the British Empire.
Lots of countries were once ruled by Britain. It was called the British Empire.
When these countries started to become independent, they still had a link to the United Kingdom.
The countries still wanted to remain friends, so this is how the Commonwealth started.
6. The games include lots of different sports.
During the Commonwealth Games, there are lots of different sports to choose from.
They include aquatics, athletics, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, bowls, boxing, cycling, gymnastics, hockey, netball, squash, table tennis, triathlon, weightlifting, wrestling and more!
7. The Commonwealth Games are held every 4 years.
The Commonwealth Games aren’t held every year.
They happen every four years!
The games have only been missed twice…
Find out why in the next fact!
8. During World War ll the games were cancelled.
The Commonwealth Games were cancelled in 1942 and 1946.
This is because of World War ll and is the only time they have been put on hold.
9. 72 countries and territories are expected to compete in the 2022 games.
It is expected that there will be 72 countries and territories taking part in the 2022 games.
In the first ever games there were only 11 countries taking part!
10. There are going to be over 6,000 athletes competing!
The Commonwealth Games has definitely grown over the years.
In the beginning there were only around 400 athletes competing.
There is going to be around 6,600 athletes competing in 2022!
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