Ascension : Kids Klub
Submitted by The Islander (Sarah Coverdale) 23.03.2006 (Article Archived on 06.04.2006)

It’s back again – sports on the T.V. ..The Commonwealth Games.

Kids Klub

It’s back again – sports on the T.V. ..The Commonwealth Games.

These take place every four years, with the 2006 event being held in Melbourne, Australia.

Some people think of it as a kind of mini-Olympics, although one that is bit more friendly and embraces the idea that taking part is really, really important.

The Commonwealth is a collection of countries that are linked in some way to Great Britain.  Many years ago Britain used to control lots of countries as part of something called the British Empire.

Over the years the Empire has disappeared as countries have taken charge of themselves, and has reformed and changed to become the Commonwealth.  During the opening ceremony the Games are officially opened by the Queen, who is the head of the Commonwealth.

So Australia – Great Britain – does it really involve us here in the South Atlantic – well actually yes it does… we are playing a part… We have competitors from Ascension, America and Saint Helena all representing Saint Helena as part of the Commonwealth.   The sports they are taking part in are shooting, swimming and the marathon.  Erroll Duncan from Interserve (Ascension) was running in his first marathon.  As he left the stadium he was given a cheer since he was already so far behind the others.  But as anyone who is there will tell you – there is much more to the sports than winning.  So far the Saint Helena competitors won’t be taking home any medals – but what they will be bringing back are memories, new friends, they have met new people and come across new ideas as well as attended the Ceremonies in the presence of Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh and the Premiere of Australia.