Commonwealth Youth Games 2008 Pune - Details

History & Tradition
The Commonwealth tradition has been carrying forward a magnificent legacy of co-operation, humanity and unity. The Commonwealth is a unique family of developed and developing nations, a voluntary association of independent sovereign states spread over every continent and ocean. From Africa to Asia, from the Pacific shores to the Caribbean, the Commonwealth's 1.7 billion people make up 30% of the world's population and are of many faiths, races, languages and cultures. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the patron of the Games and HRH The Earl of Wessex CVO is the Vice patron.

The role ofCommonwealth Games Federation
The role of the Commonwealth Games Federation stretches beyond facilitation of the Commonwealth Games - indeed the continuing success of the Games has helped to influence the outreach of the Commonwealth and to strengthen it’s bonds.

As a means of improving society and the general well being of the people of member nations, the Federation also encourages and assists education via sport development and physical recreation throughout the Commonwealth.

Every decision made by the Commonwealth Games Federation inherently carries the intrinsic principles of - HUMANITY, EQUALITY and DESTINY, which are the core values of the organisation.

These values help to inspire and unite millions of people and they symbolise the broad mandate of the Federation within the Commonwealth.



Commonwealth Youth Games
The Commonwealth Games Federation discussed the idea of a Millennium Commonwealth Youth Games in 1997. In 1998 the concept was agreed on for the purpose of providing a Commonwealth multi-sport event for young people. The Commonwealth Youth Games are a mini Commonwealth Games attracting the best young athletes in the Commonwealth.

The inaugural Commonwealth Youth Games were held in Edinburgh, Scotland from 10-14 August 2000. 14 countries contested 483 medals over 3 days of competition in 8 sports- Athletics, Fencing, Gymnastics, Hockey, Lawn Tennis, Squash, Swimming and Weightlifting. A total of 733 athletes and team officials, 280 Technical Officials and around 500 volunteers participated in the event.

The success of these Games in Scotland gained the support of the Commonwealth Games Federation who has pledged continued support for a Commonwealth Youth Games to be held every 4 years.

The second edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games was held in Bendigo, Australia in December 2004, 24 countries participated and contested in 10 sports events spread over a period of 3 days, which included Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Lawn Bowls, Rugby 7’s, Tenpin Bowling, Swimming, Cycling, Gymnastics and Weightlifting.1000 athletes and team officials were involved in the Games in Bendigo.

The III Commonwealth Youth Games will be held in Pune, India 2008.It is for the first time in history that Commonwealth Youth Games are being held in Asia, in India. The city of Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra and a fast growing Metropolis, will host the 3rd Commonwealth Youth Games between 12 - 18 October in 2008 with the for 9 disciplines; Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling.

Over 1,300 athletes and 350 Officials from 71 countries will participate in the games. It is for the first time that this multi-sporting event is going to be held at a single venue – the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Pune.