Humanity. | Equality. | Destiny.

CGF Overview

The Commonwealth Games Federation

The Commonwealth Games is an international, multi- sport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. The event was first held in 1930, and, with the exception of 1942 and 1946, which were canceled due to World War II, has taken place every four years since then

The games are overseen by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), which also controls the sporting program and selects the host cities. A host city is selected for each edition. 18 cities in seven countries have hosted the event. Apart from many Olympic sports, the games also include some sports that are played predominantly in Commonwealth countries, such as lawn bowls and netball.

The Commonwealth Games is a unique, world class, multi-sports event which is held once every four years. It is often referred to as the ‘Friendly Games’.

Although there are 53 members of the Commonwealth of Nations, 71 teams participate in the Commonwealth Games, as a number of dependent territories compete under their own flag. The four Home Nations of the United Kingdom—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland also send separate teams.

Only six countries have attended every Commonwealth Games: Australia, Canada, England, New Zealand, Scotland, and Wales. Australia has been the highest achieving team for twelve games, England for seven, and Canada for one

The first Commonwealth Games, known as the British Empire Games at the time, were held in Canada in 1930 in Hamilton, Ontario. ‘Bobby’ Robinson, who was a major player within athletics in Canada at the time, was the driving force behind the event. The first Games included 400 athletes from 11 countries.

From 1930 to 1950 the games were known as the British Empire Games, and then the name was changed to the British Empire and Commonwealth Games until 1962.

From 1966 to 1974 they had the title of British Commonwealth Games.

From 1978 onwards they have been known as simply the commonwealth Games.

Mission

The CGF Mission is to be an athlete-centered, sport-focused Commonwealth Sports movement, with integrity, global impact and embraced by communities that accomplish the following:

  • We deliver inspirational and innovative Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games, built on friendships and proud heritage, supported by a dynamic Commonwealth Sports Cities Network;
  • We nurture and develop one of the best governed and well-managed sports movements in the world;
  • We attract and build on public, private and social partnerships that widely benefit Commonwealth athletes, sports and communities;
  • We champion, through our brand, Commonwealth athlete, citizen and community engagement in everything we do.

Our Values

Humanity

We embrace all Commonwealth athletes, citizens, communities and nations

Equality

We promote fairness, non-discrimination and inclusion in all that we do

Destiny

Through impactful, high-performance sport, we help Commonwealth athletes, citizens and communities realise their aspirations and ambitions