Hamilton 1930

The City of Hamilton proved a gracious first host of the Commonwealth Games. Then called the British Empire Games, the sociological, cultural and political make-up of the Commonwealth movement has altered substantially since 1930.

The very first Games were the result of a remarkable feat of organisation. The decision to hold the Games was only finally confirmed in February 1930, yet by August of that same year all the preparations had been completed at a cost of $97,973.

August 16th 1930 had been declared a civic holiday in Hamilton, and on that day a crowd of over 20,000 assembled to cheer the competitors as they marched past the Governor-General’s box, with each team dressed in distinctive national blazers.

The famous Canadian sprinter, Percy Williams, read the oath of allegiance on behalf of the competitors, surrounded by the flag bearers of the eleven countries. The spectators then enthusiastically joined in the singing of ‘God Save the King’, fireworks were set off, doves were released as a symbol of the peaceful nature of the proceedings, and the Games had been transformed from an idea to a reality.