40,000 spectators in the stadium and over a billion people worldwide are about to be treated to a stunning night of entertainment from Scottish icon Rod Stewart, former Britain’s Got Talent finalist Susan Boyle and singer-songwriter Amy McDonald – and undoubtedly a few surprises – in the Opening Ceremony of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The world is holding its breath and for the first time in Commonwealth Games history, the Opening Ceremony will feature a Commonwealth-wide fundraiser for children – UNICEF. Stars from the worlds of sport, screen and stage are due to appear, coming together tonight in the hope of saving and changing the lives of millions of children across the Commonwealth.
Cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy, international singing superstar Nicole Scherzinger and TV presenter and DJ Reggie Yates will appear as never seen before, in exclusive footage exploring different regions of the Commonwealth to witness UNICEF’s life-changing work. We will all have the chance – spectators, athletes and over a billion viewers from across the Commonwealth – to come together for one special moment, to Put Children First.
And that is just the beginning…. 6,500 athletes and officials from 71 countries will compete in 17 sports over 11 days, from 23 July to 3 August 2014. From the precision of lawn bowls to the exciting combat of wrestling and judo – from the high adrenaline of track events to the grace and beauty of gymnastics – Glasgow is now prepared to stage a fantastic summer of sport, as well as offering a massive range of cultural and arts events for everyone.
Most sports will take place on three compact site clusters to the east, south and west of the city centre but there are some events that take place outside the city; shooting at Carnoustie, Edinburgh will host diving and Strathclyde Country Park will host triathlon.
Focussing on writing ‘the book’ is going to be a challenge over the next two weeks, I sense….
