The 21st Commonwealth Games kick-started with a grand opening ceremony on the Gold Coast on Wednesday. Fortunately for the 35,000 spectators at Carrara Stadium, steady rain showers stopped a few minutes after the expected two-hour-long event began.
The opening ceremony featured celebrations of the laid-back beach lifestyle synonymous with the Gold Coast, and the Australian indigenous culture.
Later in the evening, Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, officially opened the games on behalf of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Prince Charles and his wife Camilla touched down in Brisbane on Wednesday morning for the start of their official Australian visit. The royal couple came into the stadium under dry skies, about 30 minutes after the ceremony began.
Earlier in the day, a small group of indigenous protesters blocked a Gold Coast road, bringing a temporary halt to the Queen's Baton Relay on its final day. The group of approximately 30 people lined up in nearby Southport, leaving the relay staff and baton runners stranded in a parking lot. After approximately an hour, organisers resumed the final leg of the relay. The baton was due at the stadium for the opening ceremony.
The protesters, calling themselves the "Stolenwealth Games," are using the Gold Coast games to highlight their "anti-colonial activity and authority views." Queensland police acknowledged the group's right to protest, saying: "Should any activities occur during a protest which pose a risk to the safety or enjoyment of the Commonwealth Games, the (police) will respond accordingly."
About 100 protesters later moved to the stadium, just before the opening ceremony began.
Here’s a look at the top five moments from the opening ceremony.
1. Sindhu Leads Team India
Once the European, African and American countries marched in, India made its entry after Bangladesh and Brunei Darussalam as a part of the Asian countries. India’s badminton star PV Sindhu had the honour of carrying the Indian flag, while leading the country’s contingent.
2. Caster Semenya Carries South Africa’s Flag
Double Olympic gold medallist Caster Semenya carried the South African flag for the third time in a major event. Semenya led the South African team in the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games and the closing ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Semenya, who will be making her Commonwealth Games debut in this edition, was subjected to a gender test in 2009. She couldn’t compete for 11 months before being cleared by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
3. The Bangarra Dance
A group of youngsters from the Bangarra’s Rekindling Program carried out an amazing dance performance during the opening ceremony. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students go through the Rekindling Program to explore who they are and where they come from, through dance.
4. Australia’s Beach Culture
The beach and surfing certainly hold prime importance in Australia and the culture was shown through a beach scene. Ricki-Lee Coulter sang the song ‘Technicolour Love’ as people are shown having a good time at the beach with their surfboards.
5. ‘Inspired by the Courage, Enthusiasm and Dedication’
Prince Charles read out the Queen’s message before declaring the games open. The message reads:
Over the years, these friendly Games have shown the potential of the Commonwealth to connect people of different backgrounds and nationalities. In this spirit of cooperation and togetherness and enduring friendships found and forged. As you come together at the start of these Games, I continue to be inspired by the courage, enthusiasm and dedication of all those taking part. I send my warm wishes to every competing individual and team and to all those who have helped to bring about the first Commonwealth Games in this very special part of Australia. The Gold Coast.
(With inputs from AP)
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