Commonwealth Games opening ceremony delivers a spectacle

By MiNDFOOD

Commonwealth Games - Opening Ceremony at Alexander Stadium, Birmingham, Britain as Duran Duran perform REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov
Commonwealth Games - Opening Ceremony at Alexander Stadium, Birmingham, Britain as Duran Duran perform REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov
More than 4,000 athletes from around the world have descended on Birmingham for the 12 days of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The Games have grown to a global spectacle of 4600 sports men and women from across 72 nations and territories.

Opening night saw 2,000 performers trace the story of Birmingham past and present, while also reflecting the links between the 72 countries and territories in the Commonwealth Games.

Guests are welcomed by Birmingham-based Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai, who won the Nobel Peace Prize at just 25.

Performers included pop stars Duran Duran, Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO). All the music played during this opening ceremony is from UK artists.

Simon Le Bon said “Duran Duran are honoured” to be a part of the “momentous” Commonwealth Games “in our home town.” 

Australia and New Zealand were both represented when the Commonwealth flag arrived at the event. Aussie swimmer Matt Levy alongside New Zealand cyclist Alison Shanks and representatives from the British Virgin Islands, Canada, Botswana and Dominica carried the flag into the stadium. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Australia has the second-biggest Commonwealth Games contingent ever in Birmingham this year, second only to the Gold Coast. More than 400 Australians will go for gold over the next 12 days.

As expected, there was a royal moment with Prince Charles arriving in style, driving the same Aston Martin the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge famously left Buckingham Palace in on their wedding day. The Prince of Wales drove his vintage car out onto the arena before a display where several motor vehicles combined to form a perfect Union Jack on the arena surface.

 

Australia’s double Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus says she has recovered from COVID-19 and is looking forward to seeing how fast she can go in the Birmingham pool at the Commonwealth Games.

The 21-year-old set a world record of three minutes, 56.40 in the 400 metres freestyle at the Australian trials in Adelaide in May before contracting the novel coronavirus.

“I had such a good lead-up to trials, everything kind of fell into place and I think I swam probably one of the best 400s I have swam,” she said on Friday from Australia’s training base in France.

“I think getting COVID kind of put a spanner in the works but I think everyone’s kind of gone through that, so I was just trying to get back to feeling myself.

“I feel like that now and I’m really excited to race at the Comm Games.”

The Queen’s message, read by Prince Charles:

“On October 7 last year, this specially created baton left Buckingham Palace to travel across the Commonwealth. Over the past 294 days it has carried not only my message to you, but also the shared hopes and dreams of each nation and territory through which it has passed as it made its way to Birmingham.

“Over the years, the coming together of so many for the friendly games has created memorable shared experiences, established long-standing relationships, and even created some friendly rivalries. But above all, they remind us of our connection with one another wherever we may be in the world, as part of the Commonwealth family of nations.

“Tonight, in the words of the founder of the games, we embark once again on a novel adventure here in Birmingham. A pioneering city which was drawn in and embraced so many throughout its history. It is a city symbolic of the rich diversity and unity of the Commonwealth. And one which now welcomes you all in friendship.

“My warmest thanks go to all those who have worked so hard to ensure the success of this particularly special sporting event. And I wish each athlete and team the best of luck. Your dedication particularly in recent times have been an inspiration to all of us.

“It now gives me the greatest pleasure to declare the 22nd Commonwealth Games open.”

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