At 09.00 this evening, the Queen will open the 20th
Commonwealth Games at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Scotland will host this 11 day
festival of sport in which approximately 6,500 athletes from 71 nations will compete
in 17 sports for medals to be awarded to individuals and for team events.
There are thirteen venues where the games will be held. Hampton
Park, famous as a football stadium, has been adapted for track and field
events. This was no mean feat, because a new surface had to be built 1.9 metres
above the ground. Other venues include Tollcross International
Swimming Centre, Glasgow National Hockey Centre and Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls
Centre. Strathclyde Country Park, which is 14 miles from the centre of Glasgow,
will be the location for the triathlon. The Royal Commonwealth Pool, at
Edinburgh, 45 miles to the east of Glasgow, will be used for diving events.
Uniquely different to the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth
Games are known as the ‘Friendly Games’. Friendly because participants
represent member nations of the Commonwealth, all of which recognise the Queen
as Head.
I’m looking forward to seeing the Games on TV. Of particular
interest will be the rowing and sailing events.
Links
Commonwealth Games
The Commonwealth
Commonwealth of Nations
The Queen’s Baton Relay
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