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The biggest sporting event to hit Australian shores in a decade is here, with the Gold Coast set to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Join The Roar from 7pm (AEST) for all the live action, photos and updates from the Opening Ceremony.
Of course, the headline of the ceremony to any games is the parade of nations. The hosts, Australia, will be led onto the track at Carrara Stadium by men’s hockey captain Mark Knowles.
The Kookaburras legend was a surprise selection ahead of hurdler Sally Pearson and will lead the 473-competitor team when Australia enter behind every other nation.
Knowles has an impressive resume, making his debut for the Kookas in 2004, was the global player of the year in 2014 and has both Olympic and Commonwealth Games medals under his belt.
More Commonwealth Games
» About the Commonwealth Games
» Full 2018 Commonwealth Games events schedule
» How to watch the 2018 Commonwealth Games online or on TV
The first nation out in the parade of nations will be the last hosts, Scotland, who will be led onto the track by runner and hurdler Eilidh Doyle. They will then be followed by other European nations, then Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Carribean and lastly, Oceania before Australia march last.
Other confirmed flag bearers include controversial South African middle-distance runner Caster Semenya and England’s legendary triathlete Alistair Brownlee.
The athlete’s oath is another important role to be selected for and will be read by Australian veteran lawn bowls player Karen Murphy, who is going into her fifth Commonwealth Games.
On the entertainment front, the headline acts are set to be Australian singers Delta Goodrem and Dami Im, who competed on Eurovision last year.
The Opening Ceremony is also tipped to have a heavy Indigenous component to it, with performances expected to be included throughout to symbolise the area and country’s connection to its people.
Other rumours speculate the ceremony will aim to show off the Gold Coast’s beaches, with an inland beach reportedly built and up to 400 lifesavers set to be involved.
It’s unclear if, like in the Melbourne games of 2006 which used the Yarra River to show the previous hosts of the Commonwealth Games, any locations outside the main stadium will be used throughout the nearly four-hour ceremony.
The 21st Games – and fifth in which Australia has hosted – will be officially opened by Prince Charles, who is stepping in for the Queen.
Be sure to join The Roar from 7pm (AEST) for all the best live coverage from the 2018 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony and be sure to chime in below with a comment.