(Current Affairs) DO YOU KNOW ? :THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES

What is the history of the Commonwealth Games?

• These Games, formerly known as the British Empire Games, were first held in 1930 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The name changed to British Empire and Commonwealth Games in 1954, and later to British Commonwealth Games in 1970. Since 1978, they are known as the Commonwealth Games. The Commonwealth Games are a unique, world class, multi-sport event held once every four years amongst the member countries and territories of the Commonwealth. The three core values of the Commonwealth Games movement are Humanity, Equality and Destiny, which were adopted by the Games movement in 200 I. These values inspire and unite millions of people and symbolize the broad mandate for holding the Games within the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has 71 member nations and territories called Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) which includes India

What are the major highlights of the XIX Commonwealth Games to be held at Delhi from 3^rdto 14^th October, 2010?

• The Games will be held in 17 + 1 (Elite Athletes with Disability) disciplines. Around 8000 sports persons will participate. 2000 media persons are likely to attend. Approximately 100,000 visitors are expected for the Games. The entire Games will be covered in High Definition Television. Television audience of two billion people across world will watch the Commonwealth Games. New Media Rights such as Pay TV, Internet and telephony will ensure the widest possible reach. These Games will be Green Games promoting renewable energy Resources, reduction of carbon emissions and sustainable .development

Which are the sports that will be played in the Delhi Commonwealth Games?

• Competitions will be held in seventeen sports -Aquatics, Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Gymnastics, Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Rugby sevens, Shooting, Squash, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling.

What is the significance of Queen's Baton Relay?

• Queen's Baton Relay is a very important tradition of the Commonwealth Games. It started in 1958 in Cardiff, Wales, and has since then been the curtain raiser to every Commonwealth Game,

• Growing in scale and grandeur over the years and evolving to symbolize the unity and diversity of the Commonwealth of nations. The relay starts with a ceremony at Buckingham Palace where Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II hands over the baton with her message to the players to the first relay runner. The relay ends at the opening ceremony of the games where the Queen's message is read out. Initially the relay would visit only England and the host country, but since the Kuala Lumpur Games in 1998, the relay has been moving through other member countries as well. The Melbourne 2006 Queen's Baton Relay was the world's longest, most inclusive relay. It visited all 71 member countries, traveling a distance of more than 180,000 km in a year and a day.

• The Queen' sBatonRelay20 1 0 Delhi started from Buckingham Palace on 29 October 2009 and will end 340 days later at the Opening Ceremony of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi on 3 October 20 I O. During this period the baton will visit the home of one third of the world's population and cover a distance of more than 190,000 kilometers. This marathon event will involve traveling for 240 days through the other 70 nations capital cities in India's 28 states and seven union territories.

• The Queen's Baton 2010 Delhi represents a fusion of handcrafted elements, precision engineered body, and intricate hand layered soil pattern. The shape and design of the baton is created using a triangular section of aluminum which has been twisted in the form of a helix and then coated with a diverse range of colored soils collected from all corners of India. Culminating at the pinnacle of the Queen's Baton 2010 Delhi is a precious jeweler box containing the Queen's 'message to the athletes'.ancient Indian 'patras'. Modern laser technology known as micro calligraphy has been used for the first time to reproduce the Queen's message. The Baton also has the ability to capture sound and images, can record messages and is fitted with LED lighting and GPS system.

What do the Delhi Games mascot and emblem signify?

• The logo of the Delhi Commonwealth games is inspired by the chakra, the symbol of freedom, unity and power. The upward spiral depicts India's growth into a proud and vibrant nation powered by the coming and Play" is an invitation 1 all to let go of themselves are participate in the Games to tl best of their abilities, in the tn sprit of the Games. I It is also call to the people of India to pl2 the perfect hosts to the visitor:

• Shera, the Games masc( represents the modern India He is an achiever with a positive attitude, a global citizen justifiably proud of his nation ancient heritage, a fierc competitor but with integrity and honesty. Shera is also a 'large-hearted gentleman who loves making friends an enthusing people to 'come out and play.

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