Commonwealth Games open with royal surprise

Share to Google Classroom

King Charles officially opened the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, arriving in a Tardis from the television show Doctor Who.

The King and Queen Camilla travelled to the OVO Hydro arena, where he declared the Games open in front of cheering crowds. It was the first time the opening ceremony had been held indoors, giving the event a smaller but exciting feel.

Glasgow stepped in to host the Games after money troubles meant other cities could not take on the event. Organising committee chair George Black said the city was proud to welcome the world once again, having also hosted the Games twelve years earlier.

New Zealand weightlifter David Liti carried the country’s flag into the arena, while judoka Moira de Villiers held a special relay baton. The baton had been designed by every competing team and was placed on the stage as part of the ceremony.

Commonwealth Sport president Dr Ronald Rukare told the crowd that every flag flying that night was equal, saying the Games were about connection as much as competition.

How did this story make you feel?

SMART Prep | Quick Question 210763

A student is revising a sentence:

The rain became heavier. The game continued.

Which sentence best combines these ideas?

  

Did You Know?

What special vehicle did King Charles arrive in for the Commonwealth Games?
King Charles arrived in a Tardis from Doctor Who to open the Commonwealth Games!

Vocabulary

Click on the words in the article. See if you can find them all.
  • ceremony A special event or celebration. The opening ceremony was exciting and fun!
  • baton A stick used in relays or passed between runners. The relay baton was designed by each competing team.
  • connection A bond or link between people or things. The Games are about connection as much as competition.
  • Thinking Question

    How do you think the athletes felt during the opening ceremony?

    Related Articles

    Popular this week