Creativity, vibrancy mark breathtaking Commonwealth Opening Ceremony

Melbourne, Mar 15 (UNI) Amid dazzling light and in a ceremony splashed with boisterous celebrations, Australia heralded the beginning of the 18th Commonwealth Games with a breathtaking show that vividly brought out the creativity and vibrancy of its civilisation in a most spectacular fashion.

It was a night to remember for more than 4,500 athletes, thousands of guests and millions watching around the world as the city of Melbourne diverted from tradional opening ceremonies to organise a party that aptly went with the spirit of ''The Friendly Games.'' Different, it definitely was. For the first time ever the ceremony spilled out of the main arena onto the city itself. A closely guarded secret, the opening ceremony with 6,000 performers in all did not disappoint. Australia's most famous sports arena, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, was for two hours transformed into a stage for a one-off show that was heavily contemporary but could delight the old fashioned.

The splash of colour, haunting music and incredible technology gave the 85,000-odd spectators a thrilling beginning to the Games and showcased Melbourne's creativity and vibrancy.

Watched by the Queen, Presidents and Prime Ministers the show began with 18 beats, each introducing an image from a previous Commonwealth Games.

Outside the arena, a flotilla of 18 surfboats sailed upstream along the Yarra river, each flying the flag of the previous host cities and of Melbourne. Decorated wooden vessels, the historic icons of Victoria's fishing community, followed the surfboats along the river that was flanked with 71 illuminated flags of the participating nations.

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