Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Gets Underway

(ATR) The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games are now underway, with 20 gold medals across 12 sports up for grabs on day one of competition.

Queen Elizabeth II declared the 20th Games open following a spectacular opening ceremony that showcased the nation’s character at Celtic Park in the Scottish city last night.

The only glitch in the opening show involved IOC member from Malaysia Prince Tunku Imran, who is the Commonwealth Games Federation president.

He had problems opening the Commonwealth baton. The Queen clapped her hands in relief when he did so, allowing her to read the message the baton contained to officially open the Games.

IOC president Thomas Bach and IOC vice president Craig Reedie, a Scot, were among the VIPs at the ceremony.

Bach is visiting some Glasgow 2014 venues and events on Thursday, including triathlon and badminton and/or track cycling.

The Games' first gold comes in the women's triathlon on Thursday morning.

Among those in action Thursday are Olympic champion triathlete Alistair Brownlee, who goes for gold this afternoon. 2012 Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins, a gold medalist at the past three Summer Olympics, seeks to win the cycling team pursuit.

Michael Jamieson will attempt to win Scotland's first gold of the Games in the 200m breaststroke.

Other sports taking place across the city today include badminton, bowls, hockey, netball, squash and table tennis.

About 4,500 athletes from 71 nations are taking part in the 17-sport program over 11 days of the Games. There are 261 medal events in all. Glasgow 2014 runs until Aug. 3.

Reported by Mark Bisson.

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