Ugandan netballer and flag bearer Peace Proscovia led out Team Uganda at 2018 Commonwealth Games athlete procession on Wednesday.
The opening ceremony was graced by several dignitaries including Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.
The fete opened with a young Aboriginal girl with a smartphone sign saying “welcome to the oldest living culture on earth”, followed by a rapid countdown from 65,000, slowing for the final ten.
Cue fireworks then followed before – William Barton, one of Australia’s finest traditional didgeridoo players and a leading didgeridoo player in the classical world played from the peak of the Q1 skyscraper.
The Parade of Nations came later on and teams entered in alphabetical order. Scotland led out the teams in the European contingent.
The procession matured with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and the Queensland Youth Orchestra playing songs until Uganda came on just ahead of United Republic of Tanzania, and Zambia.
What a moment! Goosebumps and brimming with pride as our incredible @peace_proscovia led out team Uganda at the @GC2018 athlete procession! #LightningStrikes #GC2018 #GC2018netball #LboroGC #LboroGC2018 pic.twitter.com/6QFHyKt1gd
— Lboro Lightning Netball (@LboroLightning) April 4, 2018
Peace Proscovia hoisted Uganda’s flag high as she rhythmically bounced along the tunes with the rest of the team following.
Proscovia will captain the Uganda Netball team in their first Commonwealth Games after becoming the first African to play in the British Superleague when she joined Loughborough Lightning in 2015, and was crowned player of the year in 2017.
Look at our shooting superstar @peace_proscovia go!
Great to see the @lborouniversity student leading out Uganda at #CWG2018 Opening Ceremony! #WhereHistoryBegins #LightningFamily pic.twitter.com/vDmEEd6Zo7
— Lboro Lightning Netball (@LboroLightning) April 4, 2018
Uganda will be represented by 69 athletes five more than the previous Commonwealth games in Glasgow where the nation won five medals; one gold and four bronze.
The Full Uganda Contingent for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia
Athletics:
- Scovia Ayikoru, Shida Leni, Emily Nanziri, Halimah Nakaayi, Winnie Nanyondo, Docus Ajok, Juliet Chekwel, Mercyline Chelengat, Stellah Chesang, Josephine Lalam, Pius Adome, Alli Ngaimoko, Leonard Opiny, Ronald Musagala, Albert Chemutai, Phillip Kipyeko, Joshua Cheptegei, Thomas Ayeko, Timothy Toroitich, Jacob Kiplimo, Alex Chesakit, Robert Chemonges, Solomon Mutai Munyo
Rugby:
- James, Ijongat, Eric Kasita, Adrian Kasito, Kevin Kermundu, Timothy Kisiga, Manano Achaji, Marvin Odongo, Pius Ogena, Bryon Oketayot, Solomon Okia, Micheal Okorach, Phillip Wokorach, Kayiwa Ssebuliba, Desire Ayera Ruhweza, Ivan Magomu, Timothy Mudoola Muwumba, Joseph Jadwong, Aaron Ofoyrwoth
Netball:
- Lillian Ajio, Irene Akello, Betty Kizza, Conchepta Birungi, Florence Nanyonga, Hadijah Nakabuye, Halima Nakachwa, Jesca Achan, Joan Nampungu, Peace Proscovia, Racheal Nanyonga, Ruth Meme, Stella Oyella, Namuwaya Muhayimina
Cycling:
- Charles Kagimu, Vienna Sekanga
Badminton:
- Shamim Bridget Bangi, Aisha Nakiyemba, Brian Kasirye, Edwin Ekiring
Boxing:
- Musa Bwogi,Joshua Kizza, Latibu Muwonge, Bashir Nasir, Regean Simbwa
Squash:
- Ian Rukunya, Michael Kawooya
Swimming:
- Avice Meya, Elisha Tibatemwa Ekirikubinza
Weightlifting:
- Irene Kasubo, Kalidi Batuusa, Julius Ssekitoleko, Hakim Ssempereza
Table Tennis:
- Ronald Nyaika, Halima Nambozo
Shooting:
- Cleopatra Mungoma
