Canada and the Commonwealth Games

The Commonwealth Games started yesterday (23rd July 2014) in Glasgow.

Canada has athletes in Cycling, Boxing, Lawn Bowls, Rugby, Squash, Judo, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis (what's the difference between table tennis and Ping Pong?) and many more events. 

You can see the full line up at the official web site.

Here in Canada I find the Commonwealth Games are not such a big deal as they are in Australia. In OZ the Commonwealth Games are akin to the Olympic Games and you will find a similar amount of TV coverage and general excitement that is generated during any summer Olympic games.

Not so here in Canada.

I'm not saying we don't have pride in our athletes, we do! I'm guessing it's the difference between a cold climate country, Canada, and a more milder climate country Australia (some would say Bloody Hot!). 

Aussies have been known to do well at the Commonwealth Games (a Summer only event), the last Commonwealth Games held in Delhi, India, the medal count was 74 Gold, 55 Silver and 48 Bronze. Our closest rivals was India with 38 Gold, 27 Silver and 36 Bronze. 
Aussies excel at the summer sports but Canada has more opportunity to do well at both winter and summer activities. 

I propose that we have alternating Summer and Winter Commonwealth Games similar to the Olympics, I think this may even up the medal tally .... But watch out.... Aussies are secretly taking over Canadian Ski hills in a bid to dominate the winter sports as well.

Either way, if you get a chance to watch the games do so, you'll enjoy the sportsmanship, the comradery between athletes from all nations. Take pride in your Commonwealth nationality but if you’re not from a Commonwealth country or live in a Commonwealth country... support the Aussies.. you can’t go wrong there! 

Check out the Aussie Commonwealth Games official web site. 

In 2018 the Commonwealth Games are in my home town, the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

And the Canadian team mascot is an 8' Goose....called Canoose.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie.... Oy, Oy Oy....

Sc