Opening the Games/suresh kumar lau

   Opening the Games

Suresh Kumar.Lau

                                                

The Commonwealth Games always start in a blaze of colour and action. The team of all the nations parade in the spectacular opening ceremony. They wear their official uniforms,                              

so each team is a mass of colour as it marches round the track. All other nations march in English alphabetical order, except that the first nation marching in the Parade of Athletes is the host nation of the previous games and the team of the country where the Games are being held—the host country —marches in last. In 2006 countries marched in alphabetical order in geographical regions.

The runner with the Commonwealth torch then enters the stadium and light the sacred flame. An athlete from host country takes the oath on behalf of all the competitors. The judges and officials also take an oath. The athletes march out of the stadium. Then the host country puts on a dazzling display. The competitions begin the next day.