Ceremony
The opening ceremony for the 2014 Commonwealth Games was held at Celtic Park in Glasgow, Scotland on 23 July 2014. It included the 2014 Commonwealth Games Parade of Nations where 71 athletes, bearing the flags of their respective nations and territories, led their national delegations as they paraded into the stadium. The games were formally opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She referred to the Commonwealth’s “shared ideals and ambitions” and the “bonds that unite” its members.The program, which included about 2,000 performers as well as a message from the International Space Station. The ceremony began with a countdown and a recorded video message from Scottish actor Ewan McGregor, explaining the partnership between the Games and UNICEF. Following the arrival of the Queen there was a fly-past by the Red Arrows display team. The venue featured the largest LED video screen in Europe, supplied by Sports Technology. Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond welcomed the participants and spectators, and introduced a moment of silence in memory of the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 disaster. The final part of the Queen’s Baton Relay was run by 32 Scottish volunteers nominated for giving their time to developing the nation’s youth through sport. The baton was then passed to Sir Chris Hoy, who delivered it to President of the Commonwealth Games Federation HRH Prince Imran and the Queen. The delivery of the message concealed within the baton.The 2014 Commonwealth Games formally closed with a spectacular ceremony at Hampden Park in Glasgow. Team England topped the medals table with 174, while Scotland ended up with a record 53. Comedian Des Clarke opened the show promising to say “cheerio with the biggest party in Scotland’s history”.The athletes who took part in the Games emerged from almost 700 tents dotted throughout the stadium to a thunderous Glasgow welcome from the 40,000-strong crowd.The 240 massed pipes and drums from 12 international territories played ear-piercing renditions of Wi’ a Hundred Pipers and The Bloody Fields of Flanders to herald the arrival of various Commonwealth dignitaries. Glasgow 2014 chairman Lord Smith of Kelvin paid tribute to the athletes who “gave it their all” and the Clyde-siders, whom he described as the “lifeblood” of the Games. He said: “We’ve welcomed the world to our dear green place and it has been an experience we will never forget. Thank you Glasgow and thank you Scotland. You’ve done us proud.” Prince Imran, of Malaysia, president of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), presented an award which recognizes an outstanding athlete of the Commonwealth Games.The 2014 David Dixon Award was handed to Welsh rhythmic gymnast Frankie Jones. Prince Imran went on to describe Glasgow 2014 as “the best Games ever”, adding: “Glasgow – you were Pure, Dead Brilliant.” He told the crowd: “The Commonwealth Games are known as the Friendly Games. Glasgow has succeeded in making them even more than that. These have truly been the People’s Games.” The CGF flag was lowered by two military representatives to the backdrop of Robert Burns’ Ae Fond Kiss, sung by Scottish folk singer Karen Matheson, lead singer with Capercailzie. Michael Cavanagh, chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “As a Games family, I believe we have entertained and inspired the watching world in the last 11 days.” Receiving the flag, Tom Tate, mayor of city of Gold Coast, said: “I am honored to receive this flag on behalf of the people of City of Gold Coast, Australia. “We accept this responsibility with great pride and in the spirit of the Commonwealth Games.” Vice patron of the CGF, Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex formally declared the Games closed.
Sports/Disciplines
The 18 sports contested in Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Diving, Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Rugby 7s, Shooting, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Triathlon, Weightlifting and Wrestling.
Pakistan’s Participation in 20th Commonwealth Games
63-member Pakistan Contingent participated in the 20th Commonwealth Games held at Glasgow, Scotland from 23rd to 3rd August, 2014.