Aug 04 - Commonwealth Games End With Spectacular Ceremony
Gibraltar’s participation at the 20th edition of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland drew to a yesterday evening after 11 days of competition.
The closing ceremony brought the curtain down on the Games and saw the flag passed on to Gold Coast City in Australia which will host the games in 2018.
Swimmer Jim Sanderson, who broke three national records in the Tollcross pool, was selected to be Gibraltar’s flag bearer at the closing ceremony.
The ceremony was every bit as spectacular as the opening event nearly two weeks ago with a packed Hampden Park witnessing a real party atmosphere with Australian pop sensation Kylie Minogue entertaining all after the speeches and presentations.
Gibraltar’s competitive action had rounded off on Friday evening on the Athletics Track with middle distance runner Harvey Dixon breaking the national record in the second semi final of 1,500m.
Over the course of the games there have been highs, lows, tears and joy for all of Team Gibraltar with national records having been broken and personal bests achieved.
The unique atmosphere of the Commonwealth has been evident throughout, with friendships both old and new forged and rekindled.
Some of Team Gibraltar have already returned to the Rock, however the main bulk of the athletes and officials arrive in Gibraltar tomorrow morning.
As was mentioned in the closing ceremony, the next games are less than four years away and this time on the other side of the world so preparations for the 21st edition are already underway.
Chef De Mission, Joe Schembri, has overseen Gibraltar’s time in Glasgow and was happy in general with all aspects of Team Gibraltar’s participation.
“The Games have come and gone and overall it’s been a positive experience, lessons have been learnt and the immediate focus will now switch to the youth games next year in Samoa and two years later in St Kitts and Nevis, however preparations for the Gold Coast in 2018 will continue.”
