5 Things About The Commonwealth Games

Summary

The Commonwealth Games, a multi-sport event held every four years, involves countries once part of the British Empire. The first games, held in Hamilton, Ontario in 1930, had 400 athletes from 11 countries. The 2018 Games, on Australia’s Gold Coast, featured over 6,000 athletes from 70+ countries. With 23 sports, including athletics, swimming, and rugby sevens, the Games continue to evolve. Australia holds the record for the most medals. The mascot for the 2018 Games was Barobi, a blue koala, who even has his own theme song.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Commonwealth Games is a multi-sport event held every four years, involving countries once controlled by the British Empire.
• 😀 The first Commonwealth Games took place in Hamilton, Ontario in 1930 and was originally called the British Empire Games.
• 😀 The first Commonwealth Games had 400 athletes from 11 countries. By 2018, over 6,000 athletes from more than 70 countries were expected.
• 😀 The Commonwealth Games is unique in that it only involves countries that were part of the British Empire.
• 😀 The Queen or her representative traditionally opens the Commonwealth Games at the opening ceremony.
• 😀 The 2018 Commonwealth Games included 23 different sports, including athletics, swimming, badminton, boxing, and more.
• 😀 The sports program changes with each edition of the Commonwealth Games.
• 😀 Australia has won the most medals in Commonwealth Games history.
• 😀 The 2018 Commonwealth Games were held on Australia's Gold Coast.
• 😀 The mascot for the 2018 Commonwealth Games was Barobi, a blue koala, who even had his own theme song.

Q & A

What was the original name of the Commonwealth Games?

The original name of the Commonwealth Games was the British Empire Games, and the first event was held in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1930.

How many athletes competed in the first Commonwealth Games?

The first Commonwealth Games in 1930 featured 400 athletes from 11 countries.

How many athletes are expected to compete in the upcoming 2018 Commonwealth Games?

The 2018 Commonwealth Games are expected to have more than 6,000 athletes from over 70 countries.

Which countries are eligible to compete in the Commonwealth Games?

The Commonwealth Games are open only to countries that were once part of the British Empire.

Why is the Queen or a representative of the Queen involved in the Commonwealth Games?

The Queen or her representative opens the Commonwealth Games at the opening ceremony because the event is for countries that were controlled by the British Empire.

How many sports will be featured in the 2018 Commonwealth Games?

There will be 23 sports featured in the 2018 Commonwealth Games, with the specific sports varying for each competition.

Can you name some of the sports that will be included in the 2018 Commonwealth Games?

Some of the sports in the 2018 Commonwealth Games include athletics, swimming, badminton, boxing, field hockey, lawn bowling, netball, rugby sevens, squash, and weightlifting.

Where are the 2018 Commonwealth Games being held?

The 2018 Commonwealth Games will be held on Australia's Gold Coast.

Which country has won the most medals in Commonwealth Games history?

Australia has won the most medals in Commonwealth Games history.

Who is the mascot for the 2018 Commonwealth Games and what is unique about it?

The mascot for the 2018 Commonwealth Games is Barobi, the blue koala. In addition to being blue, Barobi also has his own theme song.