The Commonwealth Games
The first Commonwealth Games were held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada when they were known as the British Empire Games.
The Games take place every four years in a different Commonwealth country. Since the early days the Games have changed and enlarged. In 1978 this world class sporting event became the Commonwealth Games as it is known today.
XIX Commonwealth Games, 2010, Delhi, India
71 nations, 4,352 athletes participating in 17 sports
Officially opened by the Prince of Wales and the President of India, Pratibha Patil
XVIII Commonwealth Games, 2006, Melbourne, Australia
71 nations, 4,049 athletes participating in 16 sports
Officially opened by The Queen; Officially closed by the Earl of Wessex
XVII Commonwealth Games, 2002, Manchester, England
72 nations, 3,679 athletes participating in 17 sports
Officially opened by The Queen
XVI Commonwealth Games, 1998, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
70 nations, 3,633 athletes participating in 15 sports
Officially opened by the King of Malaysia; Officially closed by The Queen
XV Commonwealth Games, 1994, Victoria, Canada
63 nations, 2,557 athletes participating in 10 sports
Officially opened by The Queen
XIV Commonwealth Games, 1990, Auckland, New Zealand
55 nations, 2,073 athletes participating in 10 sports
Officially opened by HRH The Earl of Wessex; Officially closed by The Queen
XIII Commonwealth Games, 1986, Edinburgh, Scotland
26 nations, 1,662 athletes participating in 10 sports
Officially opened by The Queen
XII Commonwealth Games, 1982, Brisbane, Australia
46 nations, 1,583 athletes participating in 10 sports
Officially opened by the Duke of Edinburgh
XI Commonwealth Games, 1978, Edmonton, Canada
46 nations, 1,474 athletes participating in 10 sports
Officially opened by The Queen