At 8.30 on Friday morning, with the sun up over Birmingham, the Commonwealth Games action will begin. Even in a competition contested by a limited pool of countries with notable athlete absences, there will be great performances and heartwarming moments. Supreme exhibitions of athleticism will be complemented by breakthroughs from those with few opportunities to shine on such big stages. It may just be enjoyable enough for some to forget about the organisation the Games represent.
These were once known as the British Empire Games, the British Empire and Commonwealth Games, and then the British Commonwealth Games. What initially stood as an event for Britain and its colonies is now a helpful tool for Britain to divert attention from its ills of the past, presenting itself as a more compassionate nation compared with other former imperial powers, the country that dismantled its empire to become friends with former subjects.
