I think there was a time when the old Empire Games was like a family reunion at Christmas where all the young former colonies gathered around and tried to show how advanced they had become on the sporting field. Mother England and everyone in the Empire embraced the Esprit de Corps and a great time was had by all. I recall as a kid in the fifties we would describe ourselves on forms as British Subjects, not Australians.

Anyway, this whole tired event has limped along and really it is a just an opportunity for the UK and Australia to hand out a few floggings to the minnows and pretend we are absolute World beaters. In some events such as swimming and the odd athletic event we are, but generally these games just showcase lop sided events whilst hammering out the sponsor's message.

It was probably a good idea at the time when we decided to stage this event but, given the current economic outlook, it is probably a better idea now that we punt it. After all, to the rest of the world it is just a third rate event.

Before you pour hot water on the commonwealth games, dont think of them from your prerspective but from the athletes perspective. There are only 2 compertitions in the world that host a variety of sports in a single location is the pinnicale, the Olympic Games is the ultimate compertition, the commonwealth games are no less important to the athletes form the commonwealth.

Our young athletes whatever the sport need high quality events to take the to the top.

Gundog wrote:

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There are only 2 compertitions in the world that host a variety of sports in a single location is the pinnicale, the Olympic Games is the ultimate compertition, the commonwealth games are no less important to the athletes form the commonwealth. 

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Nonsense. Athletes derive the best benefit from truly international competition. Anything else is second rate.

Here are just two of the major biennial WORLD championships:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Athletics_Championships

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FINA_World_Aquatics_Championships 

Plenty more here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_world_sports_championships

Gundog wrote:

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Before you pour hot water on the commonwealth games, dont think of them from your prerspective but from the athletes perspective. There are only 2 compertitions in the world that host a variety of sports in a single location is the pinnicale, the Olympic Games is the ultimate compertition, the commonwealth games are no less important to the athletes form the commonwealth.

Our young athletes whatever the sport need high quality events to take the to the top.

 

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Well said Mate!

We are part of the Commonwealth Nations and sport competition amongst these Nations is a great opportunity for the sporting community to demonstrate their skills. Sure there are other Venues but the CG is just another opportunity for our athletes to excel.