Commonwealth Games 2014, Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow: Queen Elizabeth II opened the 20th Commonwealth Games at Celtic Park on Wednesday after a flamboyant opening ceremony in front of a 40,000 capacity crowd.
The Queen called a minute's silence for the victims of the Malaysia Airlines MH17 flight disaster.
The Games will feature 17 sports across 11 days of competition with 4,500+ athletes from 71 countries, making it the biggest event Scotland has ever hosted.
The Malaysian team also entered the stadium with their flag at half-mast wearing black armbands.
"To you, the Commonwealth athletes, I send my good wishes for success in your endeavours. Your accomplishments over the coming days will encourage us all to strengthen the bonds that unite us," said the Queen.
"You remind us that young people, those under 25 years of age, make up half of our Commonwealth citizens; and it is to you that we entrust our values and our future.
"I offer my sincere thanks to the many organisations and volunteers who have worked diligently to bring these Games to fruition, and indeed to the spectators here in the stadium and to the millions watching on television.
"Together, you all play a part in strengthening our friendships in this modern and vibrant association of nations.
"It now gives me the greatest pleasure to declare the 20th Commonwealth Games open."
Ther nearly three-hour long, colorful ceremony began with an exquisite sequence depicting the history of Scotland which was followed by live performances from world-famous Scottish singers Susan Boyle & Rod Stewart.
Teams from all participant nations were then paraded, led by 2010 hosts India & ending with Scotland.
6x Olympic gold medallist Chris Hoy carried the Queen's baton on the final leg of its 100,000 mile journey through all the Commonwealth nations over the past 9 months.
The Queen praised Glasgow's suitability for the competition often known as the "friendly games."
"Over the past 288 days the baton has visited all the nations and territories of the Commonwealth, crossing every continent in a journey of more than 100,000 miles.
"The baton relay represents a calling together of people from every part of the Commonwealth and serves as a reminder of our shared ideals and ambitions as a diverse, resourceful and cohesive family.
"And now, that baton has arrived here in Glasgow, a city renowned for its dynamic cultural and sporting achievements, for the warmth of its people, for this opening ceremony of the friendly games."
Alex Salmond, Scottish First Minister also welcomed the team athletes and officials to the games describing it as "Scotland's scene for 11 days of sport and culture."
"Welcome to the Commonwealth of nations, welcome to Scotland," he added.
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