The Recent Common-Wealth Games

Dear Reader,

I am sure you will have noticed that the word Commonwealth in the title of this post is hyphenated. That's done for a reason, which I will come onto.

Firstly, however, may I state, as one born and bred in Birmingham, how happy I am that these Games were so successful. Virtually all the stadia seemed to be packed out every day and it is clear that wherever the competitors came from - whether the Bahamas, India or Australia - Birmingham and the West Midlands' multi-cultural climes were totally embracing, and the folk here cheered every man and woman towards the fulfilment of their dreams. Even little Guernsey at long last had something to celebrate. Somehow, though, I felt it a bit naff that Michael Johnson (the former American athlete) was chosen as one of the BBC's expert action review panel while knowing nothing about Guernsey! Ah, well - now he knows.

I learnt that Birmingham had won against Liverpool in a rescue bid to host these Games as Durban had to pull out, yet while having much less time to prepare, Birmingham was triumphant. And this after the powers-that-be had been downplaying Birmingham for so long in favour of Manchester and London. However, the City's success has caused it to be invited to bid for future championships, including the Olympic Games. Birmingham was once described as "The best-managed city in the world" and in this latest respect, the City's successors have come some way to regain their status.

Its location in the middle of the country and amidst so many high-class facilities means that Birmingham (and surrounds) can no longer be ignored for all kinds of events and reasons. Even Aston Villa FC's old chairman, Doug Ellis, would have felt justified in campaigning (as he did) to have the National Football Stadium located in the Midlands rather than London (Wembley), though it is now too late for that.

I have also learnt that there had begun to be a question about the suitability of the "Commonwealth Games" since it is restricted to just the member countries and because the World Championships and the Olympic Games fall hot on the heels of the Commonwealth Games. Again, however, the Commonwealth Games has succeeded because of its mass appeal and also because it has long been called "The Friendly Games"! 

While very much retaining the competitive element, these Games bring together athletes as though they are of one community, that they have a mutual bond and recognisable history because they are amongst the British Commonwealth of Nations. Theirs has a more recognisable basis for friendship, something that the world so badly needs.

In the friendship stakes, Britain has an edge over the rest of the world because of its Commonwealth, and it is a basis that is worth exploring. Indeed it brings me back to my hyphenation of the word Commonwealth as Common-Wealth in the title. It also reminds me of the aspirations of Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans 350 years ago. However, that attempt lacked colour and (eventually) sound leadership, though their objectives were probably commendable. It did not last.

If the 'British Commonwealth' as an entity lacks anything, however, it is its ability to actually be a big enough influence for true change and equality. There are member countries that continue to have problems that should not exist if the idea of equality was properly executed. But the Queen, as its leader, has throughout her reign sought to cement the peoples and ideas wherever possible, and in that she is a perfect exemplar.

The very existence of the notion of a 'common wealth' should lead the world, in these highly difficult times, to recognise that none of us is truly separate from our neighbour. We are all One and we should re-learn how to share - not only with all other humans but also all the rest of God's creation. Friendship (as in "The Friendly Games") is a key component in that endeavour. Just like in the Games there have to be ideals to be aimed for; friendship simply for friendship's sake will not produce much by way of needed results.

Thank you for reading this.