Flag Flies in Glasgow Village

The New Zealand team was officially welcomed to the XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow tonight.

The team enjoyed the official welcome, entertainment from the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain and the raising of the New Zealand flag.

This has been a long standing tradition of the Games, with the role of the Village Mayor given an injection of Scottish Highland flavour with the role replaced by the Village Chieftain, with seven prominent Scottish sporting legends sharing the role.

Gifts were exchanged as part of the formallities before New Zealand's National Anthem was played as the flag was raised. 

Chef de Mission Rob Waddell said the raising of the flag was an important milestone and he was pleased so many athletes were in Glasgow to celebrate. Im always proud to see the New Zealand flag fly, and it was particularly special here in Glasgow with around 180 athletes part of the ceremony.

Badminton's Susannah Leydon-Davis, who arrived into the Glasgow village today, said becoming a part of the Kiwi team was a real thrill. "It was such an incredible feeling being immediately welcomed into the wider New Zealand and all walking in our sea of black into the flag raising ceremony."

Arrivals into the village today also included an 16-strong swimming team direct from Spain as well as the six triathletes, the female boxers and additional weightlifters.

Bringing the Glasgow-based team total to just over 230, arrivals continue with the total rising  to 300 by the Opening Ceremony. 

There is an expected 6500 athletes from 71 nations in Glasgow, with each receiving their individual welcome ahead of the start of the Games next week, with the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday 23 July at Celtic Park, which is alongside the village.