Linked to ABC Wednesday. The Commonwealth Games taking place at present in Glasgow reminded me it's 12 years since the Games were held here in Manchester. This was the heart of the 2002 Commonwealth Games (the stadium that is, not the terraced housing!) held in Manchester.
Rising above the houses and a school the City of Manchester stadium at Eastlands was purpose-built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, after which it was adapted for use as a football ground for Manchester City. Now it's known by the name of the current big name football club sponsor but I'll always call it Eastlands.
So, the Commonwealth games can bring some sporting facilities and improvements for the masses- housing, sporting venues and pubic transport improvements were Mancunians' gains over a decade ago. I hope that Glasgow's population get these and more. I am not sure whether the common wealth goes where it should?
However, as for the actual Commonwealth Games, we should not forget their roots- a symbol of the oppressiveness of the British Empire. A Britain (well, probably just England in reality) who invaded, subjugated and oppressed across the globe for a couple of hundred years. Why, in 2014, are 70 countries joining England to take part in these games? - it is a example of how easy it is for the establishment to whitewash history and airbrush the evil legacy that the games stem from.
In 1930 in Hamilton The British Empire Games started, actually in the era where the Empire countries were slowly striking back and heading towards regaining independence from their masters.
We have certainly seen some major sporting events here in UK this year. Loved the view.
ReplyDeleteThanks for contributing
Denise ABC Team
Love your balanced view, Perhaps, over period the painful memories should fade away and a new equation can be evolved through Games events like the current one.
ReplyDeletethe bridge in the background looks like a crown!
ReplyDeleteI hear you! I do like the graphics in that 1930 poster.
ReplyDeleteMy buddy Arthur wrote about these.
ReplyDeleteROG, ABCW
Despite its roots it doesn't seem as nationalistic as the Olympics and even better we are not inflicted with the national anthem.
ReplyDelete