Commonwealth Games 2014

July 29, 2014

• Topical

Move over Olympic Games – who has been watching the Commonwealth Games? We are now half way through this competition and it has certainly brought together some of the greatest athletes from around the globe. The spectacular opening ceremony last weekincluded performances from John Barrowman, Rod Stewart and Susan Boyle, with a generous helping of bagpipes, barrels of whisky and tartan. Lots of tartan. It was a ceremony that showed off the best of Scottish heritage, with traditional dance performed among representations of the beautiful Highlands. Rumours were rife that the Loch Ness monster was hiding around somewhere, but nobody could confirm a sighting. Regardless of our absent reptilian friend, the huge enthusiasm that permeated the ceremony was a testament to Glasgow’s commitment to making this one of the best Commonwealth Games in history.

This city has got stiff competition, even within its own country. This is the third time Scotland has hosted the Games – the previous times have both been in Edinburgh – and there’s no doubt that the Scots know how to put on a good show, so all that remains to be seen is how well they can perform in the sporting events; now that the fireworks have exploded and the shortbread digested, it’s time to get started with what promises to be a tightly-contested Games. The Commonwealth Games offers a unique opportunity to see world-class sportspeople in some less common, more classically British games, like lawn bowls, squash, and even ten-pin bowling. Netball and rugby will also form core events beside the track races.

We have already seen some success at home, with English runner Jodie Stimson winning gold in the triathlon. It’s not all good news however, with many other athletes being forced to drop out: English diver Jessica Ennis-Hill cannot compete due to her recent baby, Mark Cavendish’s shoulder injury in the Tour de France prevents him from representing his home country the Isle of Man, and Mo Farah has said today that, due to illness, he too will not be participating. Still, the losses of these big names is doing nothing to quell the spirits of the Games in Glasgow, and many bright new sporting faces from the home countries and abroad are preparing to step into the limelight. The Games started as a chance to bring together the vastly different cultures that made up the Commonwealth, and increase their mutual understanding; from what we’ve seen of Glasgow’s attempt so far, this year they’re staying true to that laudable ethos. We, at Kings Tutors, do not want this sporting event to end!

What is your favourite Commonwealth Sport? Let us know at Kings Tutors.