By Shane Saroya – EM TV Sports, Port Moresby
The 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games officially got underway on Saturday evening, with a spectacular Opening Ceremony put on by host nation, Samoa.
A full house was dazzled with entertainment, despite a brief technical glitch that caused a minor delay midway through the event.
Over 2,000 youngsters and teachers featured in the ceremony, which aimed to reflect the mantra of the Commonwealth Youth Games; as inspiration and empowerment of young people.
The Opening Ceremony began with the athletes parade, as competitors from the Isle of Man led the 63 nations taking part in the spectacular event.
Dominica, Rwanda and the Solomon Islands did not participate in the parade.
After the official speeches were given the Samoan Head of State, Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi, officially declared the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games open.
Over 1,000 athletes will compete at the games across nine sports: aquatics, archery, athletics, boxing, lawn bowls, rugby sevens, squash, tennis and weightlifting.
Sporting action began today, with none to take place on Sundays in respect of Samoa’s strong Christian beliefs.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=r9BOPkTqems%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
