Yesterday evening there was a fantastic opening to the
Commonwealth Games. I found the presentation original, colourful and highly
entertaining. The thematic scenery featured images of Glasgow and Scotland, and
the music, singing and dancing had a Scottish flavour. Everything was vibrant.
There was an enormous screen along one side of the stadium that was used to
good effect to project realistic and beautiful abstract images.
There were two, interlocking themes: Welcome to Glasgow, and Put
Children First. The latter was focussed on children in need within the
Commonwealth. Instead of being forgotten at the bottom of the pile, they were
to be put first by raising money for them through an instant appeal to TV viewers
all over the world. Viewers at home and spectators at the stadium were
encouraged to donate £5 by texting ‘FIRST’ to 70333. This was to be an instant,
coordinated attempt at raising millions of pounds for improving the lot of poor
and vulnerable children. The whole fundraising project was organised in
conjunction with UNICEF. At the present time 3.1 million pounds have been
raised.
The Queen and Prince Philip arrived in style in their
sumptuous Rolls Royce. Amid tumultuous applause they proceeded to the royal
enclosure with Prince Imran of
Malaysia, President of the Games. It was his task to deliver an
introductory speech before the official opening of the Games by the Queen. After
an accomplished and eloquent delivery, he tried to prise the lid from the
Queen’s baton to remove a copy of the Her Majesty’s speech that had travelled
within the baton to 71 competing nations. At first the lid would not budge. Sir
Chris Hoy gave a hand, but to no effect; finally, to the cheers and relief of
all, the lid was opened by the Prince and the scroll was passed to the Queen.
I had expected to be bored with the long parade of
competitors, but they were dressed in national costumes or distinctive attires, and they
showed their joy and pride as they paraded before the assembly. Instead of
being bored I was fascinated by the jubilations. At the end of the ceremony
there was an extremely noisy, colourful and lively firework display to provide
a fitting ending to the evening.
P.S. I am disappointed to discover that there will be no
rowing or sailing at these Games. They are not designated as ‘core’ sports; therefore they can
only be included at the discretion of a host city.
Links
Commonwealth Games Federation
UNICEF
Glasgow Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony
Queen was 'delighted' by tricky puzzle posed by Commonwealth
Games baton
Commonwealth Games 2014: Glasgow is first winner with
opening ceremony
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