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Commonwealth Games

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description Commonwealth Games Overview

The Commonwealth Games is an international multi-sport event featuring athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. Held every four years, the competition was first staged in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930 under the original name of the British Empire Games. The event encompasses a diverse program of summer sports, including traditional athletics, swimming, and rugby, alongside disciplines unique to the Commonwealth. It operates under the governance of the Commonwealth Games Federation and serves as a major platform for promoting solidarity among member nations.

help Commonwealth Games FAQ

Where and when were the first Commonwealth Games held?

The first event was held in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1930 under the name British Empire Games. It included 400 athletes from 11 countries. [Commonwealth Sport official history](https://www.commonwealthsport.com/commonwealth-games/hamilton-1930)

How often are the Commonwealth Games held?

The Games are intended to take place every four years. The 1942 and 1946 editions were skipped because of the Second World War. [Commonwealth Sport Canada](https://commonwealthsport.ca/team-canada/games/commonwealth-games)

What sports were included in the first Commonwealth Games?

The 1930 Hamilton program included athletics, boxing, lawn bowls, rowing, swimming, diving, and wrestling. The event was much smaller than modern editions, which now include more than 4,000 athletes in some host cities. [Hamilton 1930 official record](https://www.commonwealthsport.com/commonwealth-games/hamilton-1930)

What were the Commonwealth Games originally called?

From 1930 to 1950 they were called the British Empire Games, followed by British Empire and Commonwealth Games until 1962. They were called the British Commonwealth Games from 1966 to 1974 and simply the Commonwealth Games from 1978 onward. [Commonwealth Sport Canada](https://commonwealthsport.ca/team-canada/games/commonwealth-games)