Apart from more formal contacts between governments, there are any number of professional associations and voluntary organisations 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 is a great leveller. 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 organisation's greatest sporting festival and rightly known as 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.