British Empire Games (Twilight of a New Era)

**British Empire Games**

Ceremonial flag of the British Empire Games
Motto	Virtus, honor, et gloria in victoria
Anthem	God Save the King
Working languages	English
Headquarters BEGF	London, United Kingdom
Establishment BEGF
First and last event	1930 to date

The British Empire Games are a major international multi-sport event involving athletes (men and women since 1930) from the Imperial Commonwealth Federation (ICF). They are organized by the British Empire Games Federation.

The Organization of the Games[]

The British Empire Games Federation (BEGF) promotes and encourages participation in sports, ensures the British Empire Games take place on a regular schedule, protects the sportsmanship, and encourages, assists and supports the development of sport and leisure. The BEGF is governed by the General Assembly and Executive Board.

Previously the British Empire Games were organized by an Ad-Hoc Committee (1928-1935), and the Secretariat of the ICF (1935-?).

The BEGF is integrated by the Imperial and Commonwealth Games Associations (ICGA), from member of the ICF. The Games allow teams from either a dominion, protectorate, crown colony or territory, or its provincial constituents to compete. This allows the 4 Home Nations (England, Wales, Scotland and, Northern Ireland) to participate. The Irish Free State withdraw from the BEGF in 1932.

In football, the BEGF co-sponsors along the Football Association (FA), Scottish Football Association (SFA), Irish Football Association (IFA) and Football Association of Ireland (FAI, since 1922), the British Home Championship. In this championship participate the national teams from the 4 nations until 1922, and 4 nations + Irish Free State since 1924..

The BEGF also co-sponsors along the Commonwealth Football Associations Committee the Imperial and Commonwealth Football Cup created in 1936.

In rugby union, the BEGF co-sponsors the 6 Nations Championship, played by the national teams of England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy.

Ceremonies and events of the British Empire Games[]

The Parade of the Nations of opening ceremony in main venue. It starts with a a single flag bearer carrying the Union Jack that leads the parade of nations, symbolizing Britain's leading role in the British Empire. He is followed by all participating sports delegations in march enter the venue. After all delegations have entered, The Monarch of the United Kingdom and Dominions or His representative briefly declares the Games open:

I declare the (number) British Empire Games of (place, year) duly open.

The Union Jack, the Ceremonial Flag of the games and the flag of the host of the Games are raised.

Medals are awarded in each event, with gold medals for first place, silver for second and bronze for third.