Magnificent ceremony kicks off games

Story by Jess Duffy, news services reporter and Monitor Commonwealth Games correspondent. Photo: Kimberly Douglas

17 March 2006: I was lucky enough to find myself among the 80,000 strong MCG crowd at the Opening Ceremony, thanks to a free ticket from my generous host Ray Kyatt.

Early comers were entertained by Mikey Robbins and Victorian cricketers who honoured the history of the Ground with a game of 'backyard cricket'.

All the while the crowd and anticipation grew, and as the minutes till the ceremony were counted down excited murmurs rippled through the Ground.

The countdown of previous Games hosts and the purple flashing balls were a great way to involve an eager crowd.

Everybody seemed to enjoy the initial entertainment which included an old Melbourne tram gliding down from the roof on huge white wings.

The procession of the 71 competing nations and territories was a little tedious, but every country, no matter how big, small or hard to pronounce received hearty applause.

The Cat Empire provided a perfect sound track for the march, and it was great to see the excitement on the athletes' faces, particularly those from the smaller teams.

Once people realised who Delta Goodrem was her Games anthem went down quite well, and the people with fireworks on their back rollerblading around her were one of the highlights for 11-year-old Melbournian Tom Bedford.

"The whole ceremony was really cool," chirped his 16-year-old sister Annie.

"My favourite part was the fireworks at the end."

After receiving the Queens Baton, which for the first time ever had visited every competing nation, the Queen welcomed everybody and officially opened the Games.

"It now gives me great pleasure to declare the 18 th Commonwealth Games open."

Let the games begin!

Read more about Jess Duffy:

Student reporter seizes Games opportunity

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Last Updated on March 17, 2006