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Sport Is Just the Beginning

Aiming for a more inclusive world through sport

by Helen Gwynne-Kinsey

Suitable for Key Stage 3

Aims

To consider the background and aims of the Commonwealth Games.

Preparation and materials

Assembly

  1. The Commonwealth Games is set to take place in Birmingham this summer. It is an important sporting event that is held every four years. It attracts world-class athletes and sportspeople from countries that are members of the Commonwealth.

  2. Most of the countries in the Commonwealth were once governed by Britain as part of the British Empire. In fact, when the first Commonwealth Games was held in 1930 in Canada, it was called the British Empire Games. However, since 1978, the event has been known as the Commonwealth Games.

  3. Before the event begins, there is the Queen’s Baton Relay. The baton contains a message from the Head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II, and will visit 72 Commonwealth nations and territories. The relay began its 269-day journey at Buckingham Palace in October 2021. The Queen’s message to the Commonwealth will be read at the opening ceremony in Birmingham.

  4. Significantly, the Commonwealth Games is known as the Friendly Games. It aims to unite the Commonwealth family through sport and provides a chance for the Commonwealth nations to compete on a level playing field in a spirit of friendship and fair play.
  5. This video sets out the mission for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

    Show the YouTube video ‘Sport is just the beginning’ (2.03 minutes long).



  6. The video explains why the Commonwealth Games is more than just a sporting competition. Its emphasis on the core values of humanity, equality and destiny underlines its mission to change lives for the better. It sets an example of inclusivity by ensuring that there are opportunities for everyone to be able to compete. Sport brings communities together, and communities that are united have the power to change the world.

Time for reflection

Let’s reflect on the three core values at the heart of the Games: humanity, equality and destiny.

- Humanity. As humans, we should all have the right to dignity, and to be treated with respect.
Equality. As individuals, we should each have access to the same opportunities.
Destiny. As global citizens, we should aim to move forward in unity, working together for positive change in the world.

Let’s take the time to consider how we might apply these core values at school and in our daily lives.

Pause to allow time for thought.

Prayer
Dear Lord,
Please help us to understand our place in the world more clearly.
Let us grow in our understanding of the needs of others so that we become more considerate individuals.
Let our actions enable others to flourish so that they can become happy, successful members of our community.
Amen.

Song/music

‘A million dreams’ from the film The Greatest Showman, sung by One Voice Children’s Choir, available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v49-3Xp5fPg (4.53 minutes long)

‘When I needed a neighbour’, available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7a7LdgRh-k (1.49 minutes long)

Publication date: July 2022   (Vol.24 No.7)    Published by SPCK, London, UK.
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