Commonwealth Games

The Commonwealth Games is a multi-sport event held every four years involving the elite athletes of The Commonwealth. The first such event, then known as the British Empire Games, was held in 1930. The name changed to British Empire and Commonwealth Games in 1954, to British Commonwealth Games in 1970 and assumed the current name of the Commonwealth Games in 1978.

Opening Ceremony Traditions

• From 1930 through 1950, the parade of nations was lead by a single flagbearer carrying the Union Jack, symbolizing Britain's leading role in the British Empire.
• Since 1958, there has been a relay of athletes carrying a baton from Buckingham Palace to the Opening Ceremony. This baton has within it the Queen's Message of Greeting to the athletes. The baton's final bearer is usually a famous sporting personage of the host nation.
• The first nation marching in the Parade of Athletes is the host nation of the previous games. The host nation of the current games marches last. All other nations march in alphabetical order.
• Three national flags fly from the stadium on the poles that are used for medal ceremonies: Previous Host nation, Current Host nation, Next Host nation.
• The Military is more active in the Opening Ceremony than in the Olympic Games. This is to honour the British Military traditions of the Old Empire.