The 1974 British Commonwealth Games () were held in Christchurch, New Zealand from 24 January to 2 February 1974. The bid vote was held in Edinburgh at the 1970 British Commonwealth Games. The Games were officially named "the friendly games". There were 1,276 competitors and 372 officials, according to the official history, and public attendance was excellent. The main venue was the QEII Park, purpose-built for this event. The Athletics Stadium and fully covered Olympic standard pool, diving tank, and practice pools were all on the one site. The theme song was "Join Together", sung by Steve Allen. The Games were held after the 1974 Commonwealth Paraplegic Games in Dunedin for wheelchair athletes. Host selection Preparation Security The Games were the first large international athletic event after the murder of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics. The Athletes Village, the Student accommodation of the University of Canterbury, was temporarily fenced in and guarded for the duration of the games. Only official vehicles and persons were allowed into sensitive areas around the venues. Logo The logo was the second (after Edinburgh) to be protected and trademarked, and set a design benchmark which was echoed in the logos of the next five games. The logo was designed by Wellington designer Colin Simons as the result of a design competition, and posters were designed by Bret de Thier. In recent years the logo has been regarded as one of New Zealand's iconic symbols, being reproduced on clothing and elsewhere. Venues Queen Elizabeth II Park – ceremonies, athletics, diving, swimming Cowles Stadium – badminton Woolston Working Men's Club – bowls Canterbury Court – boxing Denton Park – track cycling Christchurch Town Hall – weightlifting, wrestling McLeans Island – shooting (smallbore) West Melton – shooting (largebore) Yaldhurst – shooting (trap) Cashmere/Beckenham/Huntsbury – road cycling University of Canterbury – athlete's village Opening ceremony The opening ceremony was held in the mid afternoon, with Prince Philip as the attending royal. A fanfare announced the guard of honour by the New Zealand Defence Forces, inspected by Prince Philip. This was followed by the raising of flags of the past, present, and future hosts. God Save the Queen was sung. The field was then invaded by 2500 school children in red, white and blue rain slicks all forming in the centre to create the NZ74 symbol. The official promotional song, 'Join Together', composed especially for the games by