Scotland formally welcomed the T&T contingent to the Commonwealth Games Village in a bright and energetic ceremony yesterday morning.
T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) secretary general Annette Knott, assistant secretary general Diane Henderson and chef de mission Ian Hypolite led the colourful group of T&T athletes from their residence halls to the ceremonial venue in the international zone. The procession drew admiring looks from the gathered groups of workers, security officials and other athletes.
An energetic music and dance programme followed, presented by the National Youth Theater of Scotland. The open-air theatrical performance dramatised the aspirations of athletes on their journey to the Commonwealth Games.
The Glasgow committee has abandoned the practice of Mayors of the Games Village in favour of a policy of rotating chieftains, more in line with Scottish cultural tradition. Current Chieftain Rona Simpson, Scotland's most-capped female hockey player, urged the athletes to enjoy the total Games experience.
Hypolite than exchanged gifts with Simpson and Pat Reid, Provost of the City of Falkirk. Falkirk has adopted T&T as its special "Country" for the Games.
Some 110 T&T athletes are already at the Games Village. More are expected tonight.