If you are not into sport you are likely to simply shrug your shoulders at the strange almost anachronistic festival once known as the Empire games.
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On one hand the Commonwealth Games has an opening ceremony that always represents a diminished (some would say soporific) version of the Olympic games and on the other a collection of nations many of which you may have never heard of.
But just as that same less-than-spectacular ceremony also probably represents a far more reasonable expenditure, it might also be noted that the members of the Commonwealth coming together for some healthy competition represents a far friendlier theatre for competition unaccosted by the grim scandals of drug use and cold war politics.
The most important number at these games will not measure the triumph of snaring Gold Coast gold, silver or bronze.
It will not be the number of attendees and volunteers.
These are crucial calibrations, to be sure, but the most important number to aim for at these games is zero.
That’s the only good number for cheating incidents – involving drugs and any other form of seeking outlawed and shameful advantage.
After the morale furore that has engulfed Australian cricket lovers over international level cheating on the world stage, this is not so much an opportunity to redeem the national sporting character as perhaps to compete in that best spirit of sport; recognising that sport is not everything and can easily become nothing when winning is everything.
Our sport mad nation will no doubt be keeping a close eye on the Gold Coast competition in the hope that Australia will come out on top.
Our national religiosity when it comes to barracking is not likely to see any change at these games regardless of the field of competition.
But rather than crowing about the medal tally, sports aficionados will know the athletes and sports where the competition really is amongst the best.
A lot is expected of Australian athletes in every Commonwealth Games and this year will be no different.
Whatever the outcome, it is this opportunity to compete at an elite level that is worth both striving for and celebrating.
This is the game.
Congratulations and best of luck to all of the athletes taking part.
