The XX11 Commonwealth Games got underway last evening with a spectacular opening ceremony at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, England.
The Games were officially declared open by Prince Charles on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II as many of the 5,000 participating athletes paraded in front of some 30,000 spectators.
The local contingent clad in the nation’s colours were among them. Sprinter, Aliyah Abrams, and boxer, Keevin Allicock, were Team Guyana’s flag bearers for the opening ceremony.
The pair of Tokyo 2020 Olympians were bestowed the honour of leading out Guyana’s 32-athlete contingent.
For Allicock, the 2022 event will mark his second appearance at the Commonwealth Games following his participation at the 2018 edition in Australia.
The 23 year-old featherweight orthodox fighter in 2017 won silver at the Youth Commonwealth Games in The Bahamas.
For Abrams, one of the country’s most consistent track athletes, particularly over the distance of 400 metres, this will be her first outing at the Commonwealth Games.
The Opening Ceremony saw performances from Duran Duran, an English new wave band that was actually formed in Birmingham in 1978, and still active, and Indigo Marshall, an R&B singer, also from Birmingham.
With a blessing from Prince Charles, the Games was declared open.
The actual sporting events commence today and include: Badminton, Basketball (3 x 3), Boxing, Cycling, Cricket, Gymnastics, Hockey, Lawn Bowling, Netball, Rugby Sevens, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, and Triathlon.
