from Athletics Northern Ireland Monday, October 13, 2008 The rich cultural heritage of India and the great Maratha spirit came alive yesterday, as the spectacular sporting bonanza of the Commonwealth Youth Games 2008 began in Pune. Her Excellency, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President of India, declared the Games open in the presence of eminent dignitaries, famed athletes and gallaries full of sports lovers.
Middle distance star Ciara Mageean from the City of Lisburn club was selected as the NI team flagbearer.
News from team manager Jackie McKernan at the weekend confirmed that all had arrived
safely and the athletes have been doing a bit of training.
The accommodation is great and the food is good. Gaby has experienced the ice bath and is loving it. The sun has been shining and the rain has been falling lots. The team attended a flag raising ceremony and the team is twined with the Girls Council School of Pune.
Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP & Chairman, Commonwealth Youth Games Pune 2008 and Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010 expressed his happiness that for the first time all the 71 nations were participating in Commonwealth Youth Games. He also thanked Puneties for their overwhelming support and warm welcome extended by them to the participants.
Over 1,300 athletes and 350 officials from 71 countries are participating in 9 disciplines -Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling.
(The athletics gets underway tomorrow (Tuesday 14th)
