2015 Commonwealth Youth Games

Martin, elected at the organisation’s recent General Assembly, defeating incumbent Prince Imran of Malaysia, also reiterated that two or three other countries, aside from Canada and Scotland, have expressed an early interest in staging the 2017 Games following the withdrawal of St Lucia.

The Caribbean nation, awarded the event in November 2011, decided they were not in a fit state to host the Games in two years’ time due to doubts over venues and financial concerns, particularly over the lack of a stadium to host athletics. 

The Ceremony, held at one of the main venues for the Games, started with the parade of athletes around the track, with all 900 competitors coming out as one rather than in their separate teams.

Nations interspersed to create a vibrant beginning to the spectacle, and while the parade was going on in the background, a group of performers displayed a traditional Samoan dance, prompting large cheers from the crowd before the entertainment programme for the evening began.

Around 2,000 youngsters and teachers featured in the Ceremony, which aimed to reflect the mantra of the Commonwealth Youth Games, such as inspiration and empowerment of young people.

Following a rendition of the Samoan national anthem played by the Police band and a hymn from the Games Choir, the Opening Ceremony began with the Athletes Parade as competitors from the Isle of Man, which hosted the event in 2011, led the 63 nations taking part in the spectacle around the track.

Around 2,000 youngsters and teachers featured in the Ceremony, which aimed to reflect the mantra of the Commonwealth Youth Games, such as inspiration and empowerment of young people.

Following a rendition of the Samoan national anthem played by the Police band and a hymn from the Games Choir, the Opening Ceremony began with the Athletes Parade as competitors from the Isle of Man, which hosted the event in 2011, led the 63 nations taking part in the spectacle around the track.