The 18th Commonwealth Games is currently blossoming in Melbourne. From March 15 to 26 (this Sunday), 4500 athletes from all the 71 Commonwealth nations compete against each other in 16 sports in a total of 24 events, including netball, mountain bike cycling, lawn balls, shooting and the various events in track and field. An estimated 50,000 interstate and 40,000 international visitors add to the 3.3 million inhabitants for these weeks of sports and festivities.
Personally I have briefly watch a few moments on TV, including parts of the opening ceremony. The only actual event I attended was the Rubgy7s with Darshini last Thursday, watching 12 teams playing 16 games to qualify for the playoffs (see pictures). Amongst them where the nations which a few days later proved to finish on top: New Zealand, England, Fiji and Australia. I mainly came to see Fiji playing, after being inspired by their enthusiasm when visiting.
Coming from a school of criticism (journalism), I have a few reflections to make.
¤ The Commonwealth of Nation is a organization based on the former British, imperialistic empire. 53 states plus some 18 territories make up an English speaking group of nations scattered randomly all over the world. In spite a population of numerous 1.8 billion, I struggle to see why the colonist history should be such great grounds for athleticism. It’s not regional, nor is it worldwide.
¤ The assemblage of countries, The Commonwealth Games Federation, leaves out many of the biggest sport powers in the world and will not really measure who is good or bad in the carefully selected sports, other than within the geopolitical construct. There are only a few countries with athletes in these certain sports to really content each other. And by the looks of the medal tally, this is more Aussie games than anything else. The people and the media love it though.
¤ Except the ability to compete in the wealthier countries every four years, the poorest countries did not then, nor now, really benefit much from belonging to a compilation of some Western powers. Except, of course, when athletes from the poorest country, Sierra Leone, decides to suddenly (illegally) “disappeared” on Australian soil.
¤ I also appreciate the inclusion of the “Elite Athletes with Disabilities” (EAD).
I struggle a bit to understand the motivation for the event walk (Norwegian: kappgang), where the athletes compete with a constructed moving handicap: “Walkers are expected to maintain good form and are penalised for bending the knee as it passes under the body or having no foot-to-ground contact.” It is not natural, it doesn’t look healthy, it makes the races last longer and it just looks funny.
¤ I must say though, sport is a fun way to get together, and people seem to enjoy themselves in spite increased traffic and crowded streets. It’s good for the city and the country.
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