The 1974 British Commonwealth Games were held in Christchurch, New Zealand from 24 January to 2 February 1974. The bid vote was held in Edinburgh at the 1970 British Commonwealth Games. The Games were officially named "the friendly games". There were 1,276 competitors and 372 officials, according to the official history, and public attendance was excellent. The main venue was the QEII Park, purpose built for this event and one of the most modern in the world when finished. The Athletics Stadium and fully covered Olympic standard pool, diving tank, and practice pools were all on the one site. The theme song was "Join Together", sung by Steven Allen. QEII Park was severely damaged beyond viable repair by a devastating earthquake that destroyed much of the city in February 2011.
| 1974 Commonwealth Games Bidding Results | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City | Round 1 | |||||
| Christchurch | 36 | |||||
| Melbourne | 2 | |||||
Read more about 1974 British Commonwealth Games: Security, Logo, Television, Royal Family, Opening Ceremony, Precedents Set, Economic Aspects, Medals By Country
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—Thomas Hardy (1840–1928)
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“In 1600 the specialization of games and pastimes did not extend beyond infancy; after the age of three or four it decreased and disappeared. From then on the child played the same games as the adult, either with other children or with adults. . . . Conversely, adults used to play games which today only children play.”
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