This blog is for us to learn about the commonwealth games, when they first began and what's going on at this years event. 2022 saw the games begin with a spectacular opening ceremony at the Alexandra Stadium in Birmingham. It featured a performance inspired by the history of Birmingham, live music from Duran Duran, messages from Royalty; and the final passing of the commonwealth baton.
The games are a quadrennial (every 4 years) multi-sport event; which includes athletes from across the commonwealth nations. First held in 1930, the games have been cancelled twice because of the Second World War. Since 2002, the games have included athletes with disabilities, making it the worlds first fully inclusive multi-sport event.
The games are overseen by the "Commonwealth Games Federation". They choose host cities, control the sporting program and ultimately, decide who participates.
What is the Commonwealth?
The Commonwealth is a political association of 56 members, vastly made up of formerly-colonised countries from the British Empire days. Going back to the 20th century, when the Empire began to fall, and decolonisation began, the Commonwealth was formed. A declaration made in 1949 established that all member states were to be "free and equal" to one-another. Queen Elizabeth the 2nd is the current head of the common wealth, and is also head of state in 15 member states, which is known separately as the "Commonwealth Realms". The commonwealth charter declares that the member states share only values, and that they are not obligated to help each other. Some of their shared values are: democracy, human rights and rule of law; as well as shared values, the Commonwealth Games promote these shared values and allow the nations to come together and celebrate their differences now.
What Events are at the Commonwealth Games?
-
Swimming
-
Diving
-
Cycling
-
Gymnastics
-
Netball
-
Boxing
-
and more!
Who is Participating in the Common Wealth Games this Year? (2022)
Many member states from across the continents are participating in this years Commonwealth Games, including countries in Africa, Asia, the Pacific territories, Caribbean. Additionally, The Americas and Europe. To read the full list of participants, check out the official list over on the commonwealth games website. (Click here)
Who Were the Winners of the Last Games?
Australia won the previous Commonwealth games, with a massive 193 medals in total. England came in second with 132 medals and then India ranked third, with 64 medals in total.
Our Part in This Years Commonwealth Games
We're very proud to have had even a small role in the games. (well, that's a bit of a stretch. You didn't see any of us doing laps of the pool or track this year!) However, we did provide a customer with some extra important merchandise for the Commonwealth Games. We produced 100 of these fantastic "Team England" mugs for our client and had them delivered before the commencement of this years tournament. (After winning all those medals they'll need a cup of tea, won't they?!)
You can get your own stylish branded mugs right here! As well as branded mugs, we also have a fantastic Sports Merchandise!
