Colourful gala marks opining of 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow Scotland

July 25, 2014  Print    Send to Friend
GLASGOW: Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the 20th Commonwealth Games at Celtic Park on Wednesday after a moving and colourful ceremony in front of a 40,000 capacity crowd. The Games will feature 17 sports across 11 days of competition with more than 4,500 athletes from 71 nations competing, making the event the biggest Scotland has ever hosted. The Queen called on those present to “unite” in difficult times as a minute’s silence was held for the victims of the Malaysia Airlines MH17 flight disaster. Eighty-two of the 298 people who died last week when the plane came down over eastern Ukraine were from Commonwealth nations. The Malaysian team also entered the stadium with their flag at half-mast and wore black armbands. “To you, the Commonwealth athletes, I send my good wishes for success in your endeavours. Your accomplishments over the coming days will encourage us all to strengthen the bonds that unite us,” said the Queen. “You remind us that young people, those under 25 years of age, make up half of our Commonwealth citizens; and it is to you that we entrust our values and our future. “I offer my sincere thanks to the many organisations and volunteers who have worked diligently to bring these Games to fruition, and indeed to the spectators here in the stadium and to the millions watching on television. “Together, you all play a part in strengthening our friendships in this modern and vibrant association of nations. “It now gives me the greatest pleasure to declare the 20th Commonwealth Games open.” A colourful, nearly three-hour long ceremony began with an exuberant sequence depicting the history of Scotland was followed by live performances from world-renowned Scottish singers Rod Stewart and Susan Boyle. The Queen then made her entrance, accompanied by Prince Philip, whilst the RAF Red Arrows performed a colourful flyover past the stadium. Teams from all 71 nations were then paraded, starting with 2010 hosts India and ending with Scotland. Six-time Olympic gold medallist Chris Hoy carried the Queen’s baton on the final leg of its 100,000 mile journey through all of the Commonwealth nations over the past nine months. There was a brief moment of farce when the President of the Commonwealth Games Federation Prince Tunku Imran couldn’t remove the Queen’s message from the baton. However, once the message was finally removed, the Queen hailed Glasgow’s suitability for a competition often known as the “friendly games.” “Over the past 288 days the baton has visited all the nations and territories of the Commonwealth, crossing every continent in a journey of more than 100,000 miles.” The C’wealth family come together for Malaysia The Malaysian contingent during the opening ceremony of the 20th Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Wednesday.     Email Facebook 4 GLASGOW: Amidst the grand opening ceremony, the energetic performances, aerial display and fireworks at Celtic Park – the Commonwealth Games family on Wednesday demonstrated a show of respect for victims of last week’s Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 crash. Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond called for a show of solidarity from the Commonwealth nations by observing a minute’s silence to remember those who perished in the July 17 disaster. National track cyclist Fatehah Mustapa was the flag bearer for the Malaysian contingent. The Malaysians walked out in the traditional 'Baju Melayu' and also wore black armbands in honour of the victims of the air disaster. The frontline of the Malaysian contingent comprised six athletes and two officials – who all wore the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) uniform. National lawn bowler Siti Zalina Ahmad said it was an emotional moment for them when the whole Commonwealth Games family observed a minute’s silence during the opening ceremony. "This is one Games which had everything ... fun, laughter, a party atmosphere and even a time of silence to mourn," said Siti, a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medal winner in the singles event. “The Malaysian contingent shares the sadness and sorrow of the family members who lost their dear ones in the disaster. The MH17 tragedy has made all Malaysians united. I will wear the black armband throughout my stay here in Glasgow," said Siti. Women’s doubles badminton Vivian Hoo also shared her sentiments. “I feel really sad about what happened and I think this (marching together during the opening ceremony wearing black armbands) is a good way to empathise with what had happened,” she said. “I felt truly proud to walk as a Malaysian at that time.”