These countries/states are able to express themselves through sport, where politically they maybe unable to do so.Įach Games has to include a minimum of 10 core sports on their timetable, which include: Athletics, Badminton, Boxing (Men only), Lawn Bowls, Netball (Women only), Rugby 7s (Men only), Aquatics-Swimming, Hockey, Squash and Weightlifting. These include the Home Nations of the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, and places such as Bermuda, Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands. In addition to the 54 members of the Commonwealth, 17 overseas territories, island states and crown dependencies take part in their own capacity. In terms of participants the Games are also significant. It was known by this name until 1950, then from 1954 to 1966 it was the British Empire and Commonwealth Games, 1970 to 1974 as the British Commonwealth Games, and from 1978 it finally became known by its present name. From its inception in 1930 as the British Empire Games, it has mirrored the changing orientation of the greater organisation. The Commonwealth Games have evolved over time much like the Commonwealth of Nations it represents.

End of nations games