THE 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games were officially opened this evening (Thursday) with a spectacular opening ceremony enjoyed by thousands.
His Royal Highness the Earl of Wessex – the vice patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation - officially opened the sporting event at a special ceremony held at the Bowl Stadium in Douglas.
Addressing the crowd Prince Edward remarked: "I'm delighted that the Isle of Man is hosting a major international sporting event. Thank you for welcoming the Commonwealth family to your shores."
Athletes from the 63 participating nations were welcomed to the Island while undertaking a procession lap.
The stadium lit up with colour as the teams, some in traditional dress and others in their team tracksuits, paraded around the stadium – their faces showing how proud they were to be representing their country on the Commonwealth stage.
Once seated in the stands the athletes and spectators were treated to a visual spectacle as hundreds of local performers took to the pitch.
Around 250 talented performers – predominantly children - including some from local dance schools, gymnastics clubs, carnival performers and free runners - defied the light rain and joined together for a special performance which paid tribute to the Isle of Man's heritage.
The performance, which was created by the outdoor performance specialists Walk the Plank, opened with a welcome from mystical Manx sea god Manannan – who was surrounded by nimble and captivating fairies who somersaulted and back-flipped their way effortlessly around the stadium.
This was followed with a nod to the Island's Viking heritage when a mob of angry Vikings stormed into the stadium in a dramatic and thrilling performance which ended with a Viking longboat bursting into flames.
The ceremony then took a modern twist with performances from free runners and modern dancers - who even threw in a few Michael Jackson style moves - before all of the performers came together to perform a medley of different dancing styles in honour of some of the other nations in attendance.
A firework display and performance of the Manx national anthem by local singer Rebecca Lawrence rounded off the proceedings with many of the athletes and spectators showing their appreciation with a standing ovation.
Over the next three days the athletes from the Commonwealth nations will compete in seven sports – cycling, rugby, swimming, gymnastics, boxing, athletics and badminton - with the aim of getting their country to the top of the medal table.
Let the games begin!
More pictures to follow
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