On the 6th August, I went to the Commonwealth Games with my wife Marion, son Andrew, and Andrew’s partner Kate. We saw the rhythmic gymnastic competition in the Indoor Arena in the centre of Birmingham. Here are some random observations.
1. Sport is a form of entertainment, but a key part of that entertainment is the skill displayed by the competitors. Most athletic events are derived from the earliest form of martial arts, based on fighting, running, throwing and jumping, supported by horsemanship and various regulated forms of group conflict such as football. Gymnastics owes more to circus arts: the female gymnasts wore sparkly leotards and were marked for artistry as well as dexterity. But it was impossible not to admire their great skill nor to feel the disappointment with every small error in their routines. The venue enhanced the entertainment of the event, by providing a disco during intervals, and issuing spectators with wristbands which glowed in unison at certain points in the show.
2. The Games were a model of efficiency. The Commonwealth Games involved over 5000 athletes from 72 countries, taking part in multiple venues in different cities and towns across the West Midlands (including a velodrome in London). Despite having limited notice after Durban withdrew from organising the Games, the venues in Birmingham were all ready on time, the athletes and officials were all housed, the media operated without a hitch, and there was a constant supply of entertainment for the crowds in the City Centre. There were thousands of very helpful volunteers, and public transport to events was free.
3. There was great pride in the City among local people. UK media is dominated by London, and shows limited interest in the distinctive history and culture of each of the other great cities in this country. The opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games was a celebration of Birmingham’s industrial past and its significant contribution to popular music. The City centre looked splendid in the sunshine, and local people expressed pride in their city, albeit in the usual downbeat Brummie way.
4. Crowds are fun. When we left the Arena, a vast host passed over the canal bridges, through Centenary Square, Chamberlain Square and Victoria Square. There was no jostling, and everyone looked happy. This was my first experience of going to a large public event for some years, and I had forgotten the exhilaration felt by people who are part of a large purposeful crowd. I realise that this must be a common experience among people who go to football matches or festivals.
5. The best art is that acclaimed by the public. The highlight of the opening and closing ceremonies was the huge mechanical Raging Bull, which moved and appeared to breathe fire and smoke. During the games, this was placed in Centenary Square, and was immensely popular - so much so that the City Council agreed to find a permanent indoor venue to house it after the Games. The public acclaim for this artwork contrasts with the annual awards of the Turner Prize for art, which are usually known to few and approved by even less. Turner prize-winners do, however, seem to enhance the fortunes of a small number of London art galleries and their patrons who purchase artworks as a form of ‘wealth-protection’. The public have a more refined taste in art because they value it for its appearance and the emotional impact it has, and not for what it does for their personal bank-balance.
