Why Are They Called the Commonwealth Games?

The Commonwealth Games take their name from the Commonwealth of Nations—a voluntary association of 56 member states (as of 2024), most of which are former territories of the British Empire.

Origins

• 1930: First edition, British Empire Games, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
• 1954: Renamed British Empire and Commonwealth Games.
• 1970: British Commonwealth Games.
• 1978: Adopted current name Commonwealth Games.

Held every four years (except 1942, 1946—WWII), the Games are the third-largest multi-sport event after the Olympics and Asian Games. They celebrate shared history, language (English), and legal traditions while showcasing elite athletes from Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) governs the event; the host city is selected by a vote of member associations.