Hamilton, Canada 1930
The city of Hamilton proved a gracious first host of the Commonwealth Games. Then called the British Empire Games, the sociological, cultural and policical make-up of the Commonwealth movement has altered substantially since 1930.
The inaugural Games was utilitarian and very down to earth, proving that more doesn’t necessarily mean better. The athletes’ village was the Prince of Wales School next to the Civic Stadium, where the competitors slept two dozen to a classroom, whilst the women were housed in a separate hotel. Despite missing some basic comforts, the participants were unanimous in their praise for the Games and Hamilton’s hospitality.
Eleven countries sent a total of 400 athletes to the Hamilton Games. Women competed only in the swimming events. The participant nations were Australia, Bermuda, British Guyana, Canada, England, Northern Ireland, Newfoundland, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa and Wales.
The Hamilton Games ran at a cost of $97,973.00 and featured six sports:
- Aquatics (swimming & diving)
- Athletics
- Boxing
- Lawn Bowls
- Rowing
- Wrestling
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.
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 changed from an idea to a reality. Two weeks of enjoyable sporting endeavour followed.
George Ferguson, water polo international in his youth, was President of the Scottish Amateur Swimming Association when he led out the Scottish Team of 19 competitors to Hamilton as Commandant. The party assembled in Glasgow before joining the Anchor Donaldson liner ‘Andania’ at the Tail o' the Bank.
Scotland claimed an honourable share of the prizes at the Hamilton Games, winning a total of two Gold, three Silver and five Bronze medals. Particularly notable was Duncan McLeod Wright’s victory in the Marathon with a time of just under 2 hours and 44 minutes, while our Boxing and Swimming teams both made a considerable impact, with Ellen King winning three medals. The other Scottish Medal came in the Bowls Fours event.