Commonwealth Games
My Prior Knowledge of the Commonwealth Games
The Commonwealth Games always come every four years. It’s first presented by a beautiful ceremony with thousands and thousands of people all around the world. People come together every four years to watch the athletes in their teams walking proudly, representing their team and country. The ceremony presents the beauty of the country and what ‘Common Wealth’ means. It’s later on sung by a National Anthem. Athletes all around the world, come together as a team to compete other athletes. They represent their country in a sport they are best in and have pride.
My New Knowledge of the Commonwealth Games
The Commonwealth Games were first held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada. The games had been held every four years since 1930 except 1942 and 1946 because of the World War ll. The Commonwealth Games are known to be a worldwide, multi-sport event. This includes the home nations of the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.)
Did you know, that the Commonwealth Games have been called different names? In 1930 and 1950 the first games were called the ‘‘British Empire Games’’ and from 1954 to 1966 it was later announced as the ‘‘British Empire and Commonwealth Games.’’ From 1970 to 1974 they took on the title of British Commonwealth Games. It was the 1978 Games in Edmonton that saw this unique, world class, multi-sports event changed its name to the Commonwealth Games.
Only six teams have attended every Commonwealth Games they are Australia, Canada, England, New Zealand, Scotland, and Wales. The Commonwealth Games have been known as the ‘‘Friendly Games.’’
Six sports made up the Programme of the first Commonwealth Games in Hamilton 1930; Athletics, Aquatics (Swimming & Diving), Boxing, Lawn Bowls, Rowing, and Wrestling. Now each candidate city looking to host a Commonwealth Games must include 10 core sports: Aquatics (Swimming), Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Rugby Sevens, Squash and Weightlifting. They can choose 7 from a list of optional sports: Archery, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Canoeing, Cycling, Rowing, Sailing, Shooting, Softball, Synchronised Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis , Bowling, Taekwondo Triathlon, Wrestling and Gymnastics.
In 1930 the Commonwealth Games Motto was known as- ‘ Humanity- Equality- Destiny, now today’s Commonwealth Games 2014 it is also known to be People- Place- Passion hosting in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Queen's Baton Relay, similar to the Olympic Torch Relay, is a relay around the world held prior to the beginning of the Commonwealth Games. The Baton carries a message from the Head of the Commonwealth, currently Queen Elizabeth II. The Relay traditionally begins at Buckingham Palace in London as a part of the city's Commonwealth Day festivities. The Queen entrusts the baton to the first relay runner. At the Opening Ceremony of the Games, the final relay runner hands the baton back to the Queen or her representative, who reads the message aloud to officially open the Games
Evaluation of my Learning
In my past knowledge I only knew a minimum amount of information about the Commonwealth Games. I always thought that the Commonwealth Games were kind of compared to the Olympics games but slightly different. I only knew the basic facts about the Commonwealth Games. I learnt a lot of information by group chatting with my peers, it helped me learn new things that I didn't know. Also I got new information by researching more information about the history and growth. My knowledge just grew and grew when I just kept reading and discussing with my peers.
