29 Jul 2022

Pacific nations add colour, oils to Games opening ceremony

12:24 pm on 29 July 2022

Five years of build-up has become a reality after the 22nd Commonwealth Games began in Birmingham in England on Friday morning.

More than 5000 athletes representing 72 nations and territories are in the West Midlands to compete in 19 sports and 280 medal events.

They included the 12 Pacific nations as well as New Zealand and Australia.

Tonga's two flag-bearers continued the national tradition of being oiled-up for an opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony took place in Birmingham's Alexander Stadium where the crowd was treated to a wide range of choreographed performances.

Para athlete Naibili Vatunisolo and lawn bowler Semesa Naiseruvati led Team Fiji.

Vatunisolo and Naiseruti were dressed in traditional masi attires while the athletes and officials were in Fiji's traditional blue.

Here are some of the Pacific nations at the ceremony.

Athletes for Team Tonga take part in the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, central England, on July 28, 2022. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

Photo: GLYN KIRK

Cook Islands' falg bearers Aidan Zittersteijn and Nooroa Mataio take part with teammates in the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, central England, on July 28, 2022. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

Photo: GLYN KIRK

Fiji's flag bearers Semesa Naiseruvati and Naibili Vatunisolo and teammates take part in the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, central England, on July 28, 2022. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

Photo: GLYN KIRK

Papua New Guinea's flag bearers John Ume and Rellie Kaputin and teammates take part in the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, central England, on July 28, 2022. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

Photo: GLYN KIRK

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Click here for more pictures and coverage of the opening ceremony.