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The 2022 Commonwealth Games kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony a few days ago. Hosted in Birmingham, UK, it marked a 'return to the motherland' for the first time in 20 years (since Manchester 2002).

For those who don't know, the Commonwealth Games is a multi sporting event that is contested by the 56 nations once ruled by the British Empire. It is styled similar to the Olympic games and attracts top athletes from the Commonwealth region.

During the Olympic games, many people raised an eyebrow about the Utility of the games especially when the cost of hosting the event was factored. Tokyo 2020 was particularly a disaster because of the Corona Virus pandemic. It made it virtually impossible to achieve any type of significant economic returns at the time. Notwithstanding, the Olympics is still a very expensive event that perhaps is more national pride than any other thing.

So what is the utility of the Commonwealth Games? Is it a similar economic venture to the Olympic games with similar results in terms of economic returns? Well according to available information, the cost of hosting these games was $1.6 Billion which is quite reasonable compared to the $24 Billion it took to host the 2020 Olympic games.

Let's look At the Structure

Compared to the Olympic games, the Commonwealth Games has both Able bodied and paralympic events running simultaneously in one event. This is something I support as I feel it gives an opportunity for the disabled athletes to receive better attention. Let's face it, the Olympic games and Paralympic games are simply not met with the same level of attention.

Another thing to note about the Commonwealth Games is the level of World Class athletes that opt to participate pales in comparison to other major World events. Take for instance, the great Usain Bolt never deemed it necessary to participate in an individual competition, but he did win a Relays gold medal at the 2014 games in Glasgow.

That isn't to say that there won't be top talent at the games. We have the 100m
World Champion Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce, newly crowned World Champion and Record holder in the 100m Hurdles Tobi Amusan, and South African swimmer participating for instance. It wouldn't also be out of place to expect some solid performances from unheralded athletes.

Sports is a Unifier

Some people may be wondering what the entire point of the games are? Is it to serve as a reminder that these nations were once subjects of Great Britain? Seeing as many of these nations don't share similar economic cooperation and status.

I think when it comes to sports there is never a bad reason to come together and compete. Athletes participate not out of spite or loyalty for the Commonwealth, but for their nations and personal pride. I also believe some pretty dark historical events can be remembered using brighter and better events. Colonization definitely wasn't good for the independent territories which fell at the time, but sports is a gentle way to serve as a reminder without brewing any animosity

Conclusion

Am looking forward to a wonder series of events over the next few weeks.