Commonwealth Games 2022 culminates in a celebration of tradition, pleasure and above all, Birmingham

The Commonwealth Games got here to its final stretch late in Monday night, as curtains have been drawn on the 11-day occasion with a musical evening within the Alexander Stadium. Once once more a celebration of Birmingham’s tradition, the closing ceremony delivered to life, Birmingham’s road, with 1000’s on the sting of their seats.

No particular appearances have been made on the evening, however common musical numbers, mixed with evocative themes, made the ultimate day, an evening to recollect.

The present as soon as once more began off with Birmingham of the outdated, having gotten battered within the World Wars, and the town’s journey of getting itself again on its toes.

And the message on the finish of all of it – collectively, identical to it was within the opening day, making an announcement to face by the LGBTQIA+ individuals.

The Games was an incredible success with greater than 1.5 million tickets being bought as spectators packed into venues, making a buzz throughout the West Midlands that officers say will linger for years and will result in a attainable Olympic bid sooner or later.

“These Games have been bold, buzzing and absolutely brilliant,” Commonwealth Games Federation President Louise Martin informed a capability crowd at Alexander Stadium throughout the closing ceremonies.

“Athletes 11 days ago I asked you to seize the moment – with 877 medals awarded, 97 Commonwealth records and four world records broken you all rose to the challenge.

“As we carry these Games to a detailed please bear in mind this isn’t the tip.”

More essential than medals the Games solid a brand new identification in Birmingham by specializing in innovation, variety and inclusion somewhat than new arenas and stadiums.

The organisers burdened on a number of firsts within the occasion, with the prime attraction being the truth that for the primary time at a significant multi-sport occasion there have been extra medal occasions for girls (136) than males (134) on the Commonwealth Games.

In all of the glory, music and the cheers, one should not neglect that the true star of the Games might properly have been the big mechanical raging bull used within the opening ceremonies then moved to Birmingham’s Centenary Square the place it attracted huge crowds every day.

The bull turned so common {that a} marketing campaign was launched to maintain it from being dismantled and it acquired a lease on life, not less than till the tip of September, with plans to make use of it for the town’s Pride parade.

At the tip of the occasion, the torch was handed onto Australia in a standard native Victorian ceremony, the place the Games shall be held in 2026.

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