The main message of the closing ceremony was that India has staged one of the most diverse and organised Commonwealth Games.
Despite the sensationalised news reports that the games would come
under attack by terrorists and that the games village was unsafe and
uninhabitable – the games went without a hitch and only fantastic
memories remain.
Papa bowler Pita Toto was the best performed athlete for the Cooks
at the games and was honoured as the closing ceremony flag bearer. He
lead the team along with chef de mission George George, netball captain
Ritua Aliivaa and bowling managers Ana Kairua and Nelson Akava.
Athletes and officials mixed and mingled and partied with the Indian hosts who put on another spectacular show.
The only formal proceedings during the closing ceremony were the
lowering of the Commonwealth Games flag and the handover to Scotland,
who will host the games in Glasgow in 2014.
The next host nation gave the packed-out stadium a taste of what they have to offer when they host the games.
Of course the bagpipes and kilts were standout symbols of Scotland,
but it was the laser light show that really wowed the crowed with some
innovative light displays and dances leaving athletes looking forward to
Glasgow 2014.
Team Cook Islands members were once again mobbed by photographers
wanting photos of the team with their ei katu and some were even lucky
to receive the ei for either a pin or a team uniform.
The party didn’t run on too long for the local team as packing and
cleaning were on the cards before an early morning departure from the
games village to the airport for the first part of the team’s journey
home – a 15 hour flight to Auckland.
From Team Cook Islands we say Namaste and meitaki maata India for being a wonderful host and sharing their diverse culture.
Last Modified on 22/10/2010 08:41