Commonwealth Day Message
The theme for Commonwealth Day (March 9) this year is Sport Brings Us Together. The following is the 1998 Commonwealth Day Message from Her Majesty the Queen, Head of the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth provides many special links between its members. Apart from more formal contacts between governments, there are any number of professional associations and voluntary organizations with close connections throughout the Commonwealth. Among the most active are those involved in sport and recreation.
I believe that sport will always play a very important part in the social welfare of all generations. Sport -- and team games in particular -- teaches young people many valuable social lessons. It demonstrates the value of co-operation, team work and team spirit; it teaches the need to abide by rules and regulations; it emphasizes the importance of self-control and how to take victory or defeat with good grace.
Sport is a great leveller. The same rules apply to all; there are no age, racial or cultural barriers to participation. Indeed, enthusiasm for a sport brings together people from every background. Some sports attract dedicated spectators. Some do not, but that makes no difference to the participants. All are absorbing and enjoyable, offering unique opportunities for self-discovery and to develop self-confidence. For many young people, participation in sport can offer a lifeline and an essential alternative to delinquency, drug abuse or crime.
The Commonwealth Games are the organization's greatest sporting festival and rightly known at the "Friendly Games." It is always the athletes from the smallest nations who receive the warmest welcome and it is the sporting gesture that wins universal recognition. The Games take place every four years; this year they will be held in Malaysia, where every effort is being made to ensure that competitors, officials and spectators will thoroughly enjoy the experience of this great gathering. Manchester, too, has already begun preparations to host the Games in 2002.
The Commonwealth Games will indeed bring us together. I am much looking forward to joining them.