The Commonwealth Games

2014-07-31


I am watching the Commonwealth Games at the moment. This is tournament like the Olympics, but for countries that used to be part of the British Empire. So Australia, Canada, South Africa, India and about 40 other countries compete. It is a friendly competition, that is held every four years in a different country - the last games were in Dehli, India. This year they are in Glasgow, Scotland.


They are independent countries now, but there are economic and social benefits to being a member of the Commonwealth - there are one or two countries that have joined even though they were never under British control.


This is the biggest competition in which the ‘home countries’ of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have separate teams. For the Olympics, we all have one team - Team GB – so this is a good chance for younger athletes to compete at an international level, as there is more space in four teams.


I enjoy watching these Games because without the USA and China, who are the big winners at the Olympics, we can see other countries winning. This evening, I watched as Kenya won all three medals in the Steeplechase - a race around the track where you have to jump over hurdles and water.


I am from Wales, so I am supporting the Welsh team. However, it is difficult to see who is from which home country this year, as they have changed all the colours! Traditionally, England is white, Wales is red, Scotland is blue and Northern Ireland is green. This year, England is wearing red, Ireland is wearing blue...


I am so confused!


Related article:

"It's not always winning that counts"

Commonwealth Games crowds have given their support to a host of competitors showing sheer determination and spirit.

Read more:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-28528133


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