Gibraltar 2019 NatWest International Island Games Chief Minister’s Opening Address
Here is the Chief Minister’s opening address from Saturday's Gibraltar 2019 NatWest International Island Games opening ceremony:
I cannot think of a more spectacular setting for an event like this one.
Where Europe meets Africa and where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic.
Delighted to welcome so many different cultures to the place that has been the “crossroads of cultures” for hundreds of thousands of years.
As you know, Gibraltar hosted the Island Games in 1995. They were dubbed “The Friendly Games”.
Welcome back to those of our many friends returning after 24 years!
These are the games of a new generation.
These are the games of a better future.
These are the games of Hope.
Gibraltar has invested significantly in transformational facilities for our athletes.
The facilities and venues for all the sports that will be taking place this coming week have been either built from scratch or totally upgraded.
We are GAMES READY!
But that’s not just for the next six days.
These facilities will now be available for present and future generations of Gibraltar’s sportsmen and women.
These Games could not have happened without the tremendous amount of work that has gone on in providing these facilities.
I thank everyone involved in delivering these magnificent new venues.
These Games certainly could not have happened without the support of the 700 volunteers who are giving their time to ensure these Games are a success.
Volunteers, this could not have happened without you. Thank you.
Welcome to the 21 teams that have travelled to be with us this week.
Thank you to TEAM GIBRALTAR for fielding such an impressive turnout, representing every sport that’s taking place.
I wish you all success in your chosen sport.
Enjoy the Games!
And now, with the greatest honour, privilege and above all today rainbow coloured PRIDE:
“I DECLARE THE GAMES OPEN”.
