The Commonwealth Games include many Olympic sports and also some sports that are played mainly in Commonwealth nations like lawn bowls, rugby sevens and netball. The apex international body that organises and oversees the Commonwealth Games is the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), which also controls the sporting programme and selects the host cities.
The Commonwealth Games were first held in 1930 as the British Empire Games in Hamilton, Canada. The event was renamed as the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in 1954, the British Commonwealth Games in 1970 and from 1978 are named as the Commonwealth Games.
Delhi, the capital of India, is hosting the XIX Commonwealth Games from 3 October 2010.
Shera - The Mascot
Shera, mascot of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, is the most visible face of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi. His name comes from the Hindi word Sher – meaning tiger. Shera truly represents the modern Indian. He is an achiever with a positive attitude, a global citizen but justifiably proud of his nation’s ancient heritage, a fierce competitor but with integrity and honesty. Shera is also a ‘large-hearted gentleman’ who loves making friends and enthusing people to ‘come out and play’.
In Indian mythology, the tiger is associated with Goddess Durga, the embodiment of Shakti (or female power) and the vanquisher of evil. She rides her powerful vehicle – the tiger – into combat, especially in her epic and victorious battle against Mahishasur, a dreaded demon.
Shera embodies values that the nation is proud of: majesty, power, charisma, intelligence and grace. His athletic prowess, courage and speed on the field are legendary. He is also a reminder of the fragile environment he lives in and our responsibility towards the protection of his ecosystem.
The logo of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi is inspired by the Chakra, the national symbol of freedom, unity and power. Spiralling upwards, it depicts the growth of India into a proud, vibrant nation. Her billion people coming together to fulfil their true destinies. India`s journey from tradition to modernity, her economic transformation into a super power… reaching out to the world and leading the way, even as she enthusiastically embraces all the 71 CGA nations and territories of the Commonwealth to become one and host the best ever Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
Come Out and Play: The logo tagline is in an invitation to every person across all divides – Indian and Commonwealth - to let go of themselves and participate in the Games to the best of their abilities, in the true sprit of the Games. It is an exhortation to them to set new records, to outperform, and to raise the bar by scaling new peaks of achievement. It is also a call to the people of India, especially Delhi, to come out in support of the Games and play the perfect hosts at the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi.
Colour Palette: The colour palette for the Delhi 2010 look programme combines two of the distinctive colours of the Delhi 2010 Emblem with the official colours of the Commonwealth Games.
Green: The colour that signifies life, energy and high spirits also represents the fact that Delhi 2010 will be the firstever Green Games. With a spring in your step, face every challenge and overcome hurdles with radiance and gusto.
Purple: Combining the stable and calming aspects of blue with the mystical qualities of pink, this colour satisfies the need for reassurance, while adding a hint of mystery and excitement.
Red, Yellow & Blue: Commonwealth Games colours, representing the ‘Trinity of Values’ that symbolise the games; unifying Humanity (Red) giving all athletes a chance to realise their Destiny (Yellow) and promoting Equality (Blue).
Pink: This colour has also been introduced to the palette adding an element of surprise and luxury to the Games look programme. It plays to the crowd and truly reflects India in all its resplendent glory.
