The Commonwealth Games kicked off with a two-and-a-half hour opening ceremony that celebrates Birmingham’s rich history and culture at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, marking the start of Britain’s biggest multi-sport event since the London Olympics. More than 1,500 performers and a giant bull figure opens the colorful event in front of the packed stadium. The best football bets this weekend are here!
Previously known as the British Empire Games, the Commonwealth Games will feature approximately 6,500 athletes from 72 different countries and territories. They will compete in a series of sporting events for the next 12 days. The Queen, who traditionally opens the Games, was not present at the event due to ongoing mobility issues. Catch the latest on Premier League fantasy football here.
The Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, joined by his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, read out a message from the Queen to mark the start of the Games. “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,” Prince Charles said, on behalf of the Queen.
The opening ceremony started with a statement that says, “In times of darkness, we carry a dream of light that calls us all to gather” before the parade of red, white and blue cars kicked-off, where a classic Aston Martin brought Prince Charles and his wife into the arena. The ceremony also featured the dark past of the city as it displayed the burning of a library with a collection of Shakespeare’s works in it.
One of the highlights of the event is a 10-m tall raging bull made of aluminum and steel that was dragged into the stadium by 50 women representing chainmakers from the Industrial Revolution. The bull was tamed by the leading star Stella and the Dreamers, who then climbed on top and rode it around the stadium.
The Parade of the Nations started with Australia’s delegates and ended with the delegates from the host nation, proudly walking in front of the roaring crowd while Queen’s “We Will Rock You” played in the background. Meanwhile, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai in her powerful speech highlights the importance of education and women’s participation in the society.
“Tonight, teams from 72 countries and territories join the people of Birmingham to celebrate friendship across borders,” she said. “Over the next two weeks, when we watch the incredible athletes of the Commonwealth Games, remember that every child deserves the chance to reach her full potential and pursue her wildest dreams.” Malala moved to Birmingham after surviving a shot by the Taliban.
Olympic diving champion Tom Daley, who is one of the carriers of the Queen’s Baton, was accompanied by a group of LBGTQ+ flag-bearers from 35 Commonwealth countries that criminalise same-sex relations to make a stand against discrimination. Daley, who won gold in the 2018 Commonwealth Games, will not participate in this year’s event. The 2022 Commonwealth Games will be the first major multi-sport games to award more medals to women than men.
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