The XVII Commonwealth Games was the most recent multi-sport event to be held in Great Britain since the Olympics of 1948. It was the largest in history of the Commonwealth Games with athletes from 72 nations competing in 14 individual sports and three team sports from 25 July – 2 August 2002. The sports that were played are the following: aquatics, athletics, badminton, boxing, cycling, gymnastics, hockey, judo, lawn bowls, netball, rugby 7’s, shooting, squash, table tennis, triathlon, weightlifting and wrestling.

To read more on the 2002 Games click here. 

Petra is a table tennis player who won bronze at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. She began playing at 9 years old. Petra’s father had been an avid player while he was in the Czech Republic Army. Because her father was a table tennis enthusiast he took Petra to a table tennis club in Spryfield, Nova Scotia. Here she quickly began to enjoy and excel in table tennis. She viewed it as being a fun way to exercise. While playing there she was selected to be on Nova Scotia’s provincial team.

To read more on Petra Cada click here.

In 1998 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia hosted the Commonwealth Games. Overall the Games were a success, and included a number of firsts: the first time team sports such as rugby, cricket, netball and men’s and women’s field hockey were included in the Games, it was the first time an Asian country hosted the Games and there were a record breaking number of athletes and officials who attended. The logo for these Games incorporates these new beginnings, as the colour yellow is integrated in its design. The traditionally warm, friendly nature of the Malaysian people is revealed in many areas of the 1998 Games-their logo, the Baton design, and their mascot to name a few.

 To read more on the 1998 Games click here.

What did it mean to you to represent your country?
"As an athlete, it’s a dream that we all have. I wouldn’t say as a child that its what I always thought about. Once you start to progress and you realize that you can reach that level, then that’s certainly an accomplishment and an honor. I think of my first big international in ’92 when I was at the Olympics. The biggest thrill in most of these Games, when you really feel like you’re there representing Canada would be the opening ceremonies when you’re walking into the stadium and you’re there as a larger team. There is a lot of pride and a lot of honor.”

To read the entire interview with Paula Schnurr click here.