The 1930 British Empire Games, held in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, marked the official beginning of what we now know as the Commonwealth Games. Inspired by the desire for a more friendly and less politically charged international sporting competition than the Olympics, Canadian sports journalist Bobby Robinson spearheaded the event. Despite a tight timeline with the decision to host confirmed only months before, the Games were successfully organized at a cost of just over $97,000.

Eleven nations sent approximately 400 athletes to compete in six sports: athletics, boxing, lawn bowls, rowing, swimming (including diving), and wrestling. Notably, women only participated in the swimming events. The opening ceremony on August 16th was a significant civic event, with over 20,000 spectators cheering on the athletes. Canadian sprinter Percy Williams, a recent Olympic champion, took the athletes' oath.

England emerged as the top nation on the medal table, securing 25 gold medals and a total of 61 medals. Host nation Canada finished second with 20 gold and 54 medals overall, while South Africa claimed third place. The Games saw individual successes, such as England's David Cecil winning three gold medals in athletics and Joyce Cooper of England taking four golds in swimming. Scotland's Duncan Wright won the marathon, and their boxers remarkably secured a medal of each color, a feat they have repeated at every subsequent Games.

The Hamilton Games were considered a resounding success, fostering goodwill and athletic competition within the British Empire. They laid a solid foundation for the future of the Games, which have continued to grow in size and scope, becoming a significant event on the international sporting calendar.