CWG 2018: Gold Coast bids an emotional farewell

CGF president Louise Martin lauded the efforts of the city and its citizens in assisting the Gold Coast Organising Committee in putting up a memorable show.

Fireworks lit up the sky and the Commonwealth Games Gold Coast was all over all of a sudden.

The city which was throbbing with action and fun over the last 12 days bid an emotional farewell to the Games at the Carrara Stadium here on Sunday. Speeches interspersed with musical presentations kept the crowd engaged.

CGF president Louise Martin lauded the efforts of the city and its citizens in assisting the Gold Coast Organising Committee in putting up a memorable show. The event, she said, would be remembered for long.

The David Dixon Trophy for the best sporting performance was presented to New Zealand weightlifter David Liti, who had won gold in the above 105kg category. And finally, it was Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, in his capacity as vice-patron of the CGF, who declared the Games closed.

PICTURES: CWG 2018: Closing Ceremony

“Every four years these Games bring the spirit of the Commonwealth alive. They express friendship between nations and share our common values and our Commonwealth for good of humanity and peace of the world.”

The baton was thereafter passed on to Birmingham, the host city of the 2022 Games. A brief display portrayed what athletes and other participants may expect to experience four years hence.

A cultural show by an array of musicians, popular in this part of the world, linked to the aborigine culture followed. Fireworks lit up the sky and it was all over all of a sudden. Goodbye Gold Coast! Welcome Birmingham!