St Francis Xavier Catholic School 'Commonwealth Games' Day

Last Friday, our school participated in a Commonwealth Games afternoon of fun and games.  Each class was first mixed amongst their whanau, then given a country to represent at the event.  We had an opening ceremony, followed by a variety of sporting activities, a medal ceremony, then concluded with a closing ceremony.  We all enjoyed the experience!  We even saw Queen Elizabeth II...or was that Mrs. Fergusson in disguise??? Congratulations to: Karaka Whanau and Rimu Whanau (Bronze), Kauri Whanau (Silver) and Kowhai Whanau and Puriri Whanau (Gold). 

THE HISTORY OF THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES

The first Commonwealth Games were held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada where 11 countries sent 400 athletes to take part in 6 sports and 59 events.

Since then, the Games have been conducted every four years (except for 1942 and 1946 due to World War II) and the event has seen many changes, not least in its name.  From 1930 to 1950 the Games were known as the British Empire Games, from 1954 until 1966 the British Empire and Commonwealth Games and 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 change its name to the Commonwealth Games.

Often referred to as the ‘Friendly Games’ only single competition sports had been on the programme from 1930 up to and including the 1994 Games in Victoria.

The 1998 Games in Kuala Lumpur saw the introduction of team sports with nations taking part in cricket (50 over game), hockey (men and women), netball (women) and rugby 7′s (men).

In Manchester in 2002 hockey, netball and rugby 7′s graced the programme again and at the 2006 Games in Melbourne basketball accompanied hockey, netball and rugby 7′s on the programme. In Delhi in 2010hockey, netball and rugby 7’s again featured.