XXI Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia - 21st Games officially get underway |05 April 2018

The 2018 Commonwealth Games got underway yesterday with the opening ceremony in the Carrara Stadium in Gold Coast, Australia.

It was the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles who declared the Games open on behalf of the head of the Commonwealth, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The Seychelles contingent at the ceremony was led by flag bearer, athlete and Sportsman of the Year 2017 Dylan Sicobo.

Even a heavy shower just minutes before the start of the opening ceremony did not dampen the spirits of the capacity crowd or the performers at the Carrara Stadium.

The performances mainly showcased the celebrations of the laidback beach lifestyle synonymous with the Gold Coast and Australian indigenous culture.

The 21st Games, which is also the fifth time that Australia plays host, will see more than 4,500 athletes from 71 nations fighting for 275 gold medals across 23 events. It will run through 11 days.

It is also the first time ever that there will be the same number of men's and women's medal events at the Games.

It is expected to be the most expensive Commonwealth Games ever put together, with spending estimated to finish at around AUS$2 billion.

At the Games, Seychellois athletes will compete in eight sports disciplines, namely table tennis, boxing, swimming, athletics, badminton, weightlifting, cycling and squash.

R. D.