By Bilal Ahmed
Team Jersey representatives named
Malcolm De Sousa, a bowler, and heptathlete Lucy Woodward have been selected to represent Team Jersey at the opening ceremony in Glasgow. De Sousa will carry the Jersey flag into the Hydro Arena, marking his fifth consecutive appearance at the Games. Woodward will join him as one of 74 baton bearers.
Woodward is scheduled to begin her two-day, seven-event competition at Scotstoun Stadium on Tuesday. On the same day, De Sousa is set to compete in the men’s pairs at the SEC alongside Ross Davis. Another bowler, Taylor Greechan, will commence Jersey’s participation in the men’s singles before the opening ceremony, following adjustments to the schedule that included a “Day 0.”
De Sousa expressed his honour at being chosen to carry the flag, stating it was an incredible privilege to represent his team and all those who have supported him. Woodward also shared her gratitude, noting that carrying the baton is an honour, especially as this marks her first Games and she is making history as Jersey’s first heptathlete. The opening ceremony is scheduled to be broadcast live on Thursday evening.
Australian athletes to lead delegation
Nina Kennedy, an Olympic and Commonwealth Games pole vault champion, will lead the Australian team as flag bearer at the Glasgow opening ceremony. Swimmer Tim Hodge has been named Australia’s inaugural baton bearer. The announcement was made by chef de mission Petria Thomas at the Bridge Gardens in Glasgow on Wednesday afternoon.
Kennedy had previously undergone major surgery for a hamstring injury, which led to doubts about her return to peak performance. Despite these challenges, she will be defending her gold medal from Birmingham in 2022. Kennedy recently achieved a personal best of 4.95m at the Monaco Diamond League meet, securing a gold medal and setting a new Australian record. She mentioned that she learned about her flag bearer role around the same time as her record-breaking jump.
Hodge, who is competing in his third Commonwealth Games, will also be defending his gold medal in the men’s 100m backstroke S9. He made his Australian debut in Glasgow over a decade ago. Thomas highlighted that both Kennedy and Hodge were chosen not only for their athletic achievements but also for their leadership qualities within the Australian team. She noted their longevity, character, and humility, as well as the support they receive from the Australian sporting community.
Bermuda’s flag and baton bearers
Tiara DeRosa and Caitlyn Bobb will carry the flag and baton for Bermuda at the opening ceremony. Discus thrower DeRosa has been selected to carry the Bermuda flag, while 400-metre runner Bobb will carry the Bermuda baton. This year, each participating country designed its own baton as part of the King’s Baton Relay, and these 74 batons are expected to be a significant part of the opening ceremony.
Event organisers have indicated that the opening ceremony will feature dance, performances, headline acts, and the arrival of all 74 batons. The event will take place in Glasgow’s Hydro, a venue known for hosting major music acts. The ceremony aims to tell the story of Glasgow through a creative team experienced in large-scale live shows. Some Bermudian athletes, particularly swimmers, will not participate in the opening ceremony as they prepare for competitions scheduled for Friday morning.
The decision by the swimmers is partly due to the Glasgow Games not providing official transport for athletes back to their accommodation after the ceremony. The opening ceremony is scheduled for Thursday evening.
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Source: bailiwickexpress.com
