1950 British Empire Games
4-11 February, Auckland, New Zealand
The fourth edition of the Games was held at the nation’s
largest city, Auckland. New Zealand had never been
the focus of so much sporting attention and the hosts
responded in a most magnificent and hospitable manner.
World War II interrupted the staging of the British
Empire Games scheduled for 1942 and 1946, however
the enthusiasm from within the British Empire to continue
what was started in 1930 was still strong enough for
interest to be shown in their revival.
Awarded to New Zealand, the IV Games were held at
the nation’s largest city, Auckland. New Zealand
had never been the focus of so much sporting attention
and the hosts responded in a most magnificent and
hospitable manner.
The opening ceremony at Eden Park was attended by
40,000 spectators, whilst nearly 250,000 people attended
the Auckland Games, paying out a total of £89,435;
as event spectators. – A phenomenal audience
given the remoteness of New Zealand in 1950.
The atmosphere of the Opening Ceremony is best described
by this paragraph from the Official Record of the
Games:
"The entrance of the gladiators in the days of
ancient Athens and ancient Rome could not have been
more impressive than was that Parade at Eden Park
on the afternoon of February 4, 1950. As one, the
crowd stetted by the majesty of the colorful scene,
wonderful too in its simplicity, rose to its feet
to remain standing throughout the ceremony, cheering
to the echo as the parade passed on its way around
the stadium..."
Twelve countries sent a total of 495 male and 95 female
competitors to Auckland. Newly formed Malaysia and
Nigeria made their first appearance.
Nine sports featured at the Auckland Games –
track and field, boxing, cycling, fencing, lawn bowls,
rowing, swimming and diving, weightlifting and wrestling.
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