Commonwealth Games vs. Olympic Games — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on November 6, 2023
Commonwealth Games is a multi-sport event for member nations of the Commonwealth, held every four years. The Olympic Games, held every four years, is a global multi-sport event with both summer and winter editions.
Difference Between Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Commonwealth Games are an international sporting event which includes member countries of the Commonwealth, a political association of 54 member states, nearly all of which are former territories of the British Empire. On the other hand, the Olympic Games are a set of international sporting competitions that bring together athletes from all around the world, regardless of political affiliations or historical ties.
The Commonwealth Games originated from the Inter-Empire Championships, a multi-sport event that was held in London in 1911, and they were designed to strengthen the bond among Commonwealth countries. The Olympic Games, however, have ancient origins, tracing back to Olympia, Greece, in 776 BCE, and were revived in the modern era in 1896.
The sports contested in the Commonwealth Games might differ slightly from those in the Olympic Games. Some sports or disciplines are unique to the Commonwealth Games and reflect the distinctiveness and culture of the participating nations. In contrast, the Olympic Games typically feature sports that have a broad, global appeal.
Another distinctive feature of the Commonwealth Games is the inclusion of certain para-sports within the main program, making it a more inclusive event. The Olympic Games, meanwhile, has separate events called the Paralympics, which are held immediately after the Olympic Games and are specifically for athletes with disabilities.
In terms of scale and global reach, the Olympic Games is larger, attracting more countries and athletes. The broadcast audience for the Olympics also spans the globe, making it one of the most-watched events in the world. The Commonwealth Games, while significant, primarily engages audiences from the participating Commonwealth countries.
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Comparison Chart
Participating Entities
Member nations of the Commonwealth
Countries from around the world
Origins
Evolved from the Inter-Empire Championships (1911)
Ancient Olympia, Greece (776 BCE); Revived in 1896
Frequency
Every four years
Every four years (separately for Summer and Winter Olympics)
Inclusivity
Includes certain para-sports in the main program
Separate Paralympics for athletes with disabilities
Global Reach
Primarily Commonwealth countries
Global audience and participation
Compare with Definitions
Commonwealth Games
An inclusive event integrating certain para-sports.
The Commonwealth Games proudly hosts para-athletes, emphasizing inclusivity.
Olympic Games
An international multi-sport competition held every four years.
Athletes from over 200 countries participate in the Olympic Games.
Commonwealth Games
Occurs every four years, uniting former British Empire territories.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games were held on the Gold Coast, Australia.
Olympic Games
Originating from ancient Greece, signifying global unity.
The Olympic flame is a symbol tracing back to ancient Greek Olympic Games.
Commonwealth Games
A blend of sports reflecting Commonwealth countries' cultures.
Netball, popular in many Commonwealth nations, features in the Commonwealth Games.
Olympic Games
Split into Summer and Winter games, celebrating diverse sports.
While swimming events are in the Summer Olympic Games, ice-skating is in the Winter edition.
Commonwealth Games
A multi-sport event for Commonwealth member nations.
Athletes from Australia to India compete in the Commonwealth Games.
Olympic Games
A stage for athletes to showcase their talent on a global scale.
Winning a gold medal at the Olympic Games is a pinnacle achievement for many athletes.
Commonwealth Games
A celebration of sportsmanship and shared Commonwealth history.
The opening ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games often highlight cultural exchanges.
Olympic Games
Governed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The IOC decides which city will host the next Olympic Games.
Common Curiosities
Which countries can participate in the Commonwealth Games?
Member nations of the Commonwealth.
Are the Olympic Games older than the Commonwealth Games?
Yes, the modern Olympics started in 1896, while the Commonwealth Games began in 1930.
Is cricket a part of the Commonwealth Games?
It has been included, but it's not a regular feature like in global tournaments.
What's the main purpose of the Commonwealth Games?
To foster unity among Commonwealth nations through sports.
Can countries outside the Commonwealth join the Commonwealth Games?
No, only member nations of the Commonwealth can participate.
Why are the Olympic Games so globally recognized?
Due to its long history, global participation, and promotion of peace and unity.
Do the Commonwealth Games have a mascot like the Olympic Games?
Yes, each Commonwealth Games edition introduces a unique mascot.
Who manages the Olympic Games?
The International Olympic Committee (IOC).
How often are the Olympic Games held?
Every four years, with Summer and Winter Olympics alternating every two years.
How many sports are typically in the Commonwealth Games?
The number varies, but recent games have included around 20 sports.
What symbolizes the Olympic Games?
The five interlocking rings, representing the world's inhabited continents.
Are the Commonwealth Games as popular as the Olympic Games?
While significant, they don't have the same global reach as the Olympics.
Are the Olympic Games purely about sports?
While sports-centric, they also promote values like unity, peace, and cultural exchange.
What's the highest honor in the Olympic Games?
Winning a gold medal.
Which city hosted the most recent Commonwealth Games?
The location changes; as of my last update in 2022, it was Birmingham in 2022.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
