mar.15.2006

The MELBOURNE 2006 COMMONWEALTH GAMES got underway with a two hour spectacle at the Melbourne Cricket Grounds (MCG) last night. T&T led by flag bearer Marc Burns entered the MCG to a warm reception from the 81000 spectators.With miniature T&T flags in hand and decked out in their Meiling designed outfit the T&T delegation made a positive impression .

Missing from the T&T Opening ceremony parade was Ananda Fraser the talented young gymnast was with drawn from the competition due to an ankle injury .

According to team officials Fraser was with drawn following a podium work out .The medical staff advised that Fraser risked long term injury should she be allowed to compete.

"Ananda really wanted to take part in her event and was insisting that she could tough it out but in the end she had to accept our decision.She is disappointed and that is understandable " said Mushtaque Mohammed Chef de Mission.