Team Northern Ireland attended the spectacular Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on Sunday 3rd October. Led by flagbearer Mark Montgomery (Wrestling), the entire team marched out in their traditional Green Blazers around the arena where they took their seats to watch the rest of the flamboyant ceremony. Athletes from the 71 competing nations joined in a parade that began with 2006 hosts Australia and ended with India. 

 

According to CGF President Mr. Michael Fennell, it had been decided that athletes would be seated alongside other guests in the Stadium. This was the first time in the history of the Commmonwealth Games that athletes would not move to the centre of the stadium after marching with their respective contingents, but seated alongside other dignitaries. 

 

The organisers had said the show would vibrate with the sounds and rhythms of India, majoring on the nation's culture and heritage rather than Bollywood glitz. It had also been announced that the Opening Ceremony of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi would see athletes given prime importance- and that it did! Prince Charles represented the Queen and read out the Queen's baton message before declaring the Games open. 

 

Robert McVeigh said: 

"The Opening Ceremony is the official point where the Games get underway and the adrenalin flows when you emerge from the tunnel to a roar of approval from the crowd. The display put on by the host nation was truly spectacular. Team NI are looking forward to starting competition tomorrow". 

 

Mark said: "The Ceremony was amazing, like nothing I had seen before! I was very proud to be the flagbearer and lead the team into the stadium, it was a huge honour". 

 

Competition kicks off tomorrow (Monday 4th) with swimming (Clare Dawson, Melanie Nocher and Sycerika McMahon), gymnastics (Luke Caron) along with bowls pairs, archery and badminton and table tennis team events. 

 

Visit www.nicgc.org for full information. Click here for Opening Ceremony video