Games closed in same brilliant way they began

THE Commonwealth Games closed this week with a brilliant ceremony that I felt got the tone right.

As a girl of the 1980s, the artists who were asked to perform were brilliant.

Dexy’s Midnight Runners performing Come On Eileen was a great start and it was interesting to see who knew the words (I did) and who didn’t – and also who wanted to join in. There were lots of people in the VIP box who did join in.

I think that the whole Games showed that, by and large, the organising committee understood the audience and wanted to make it a great experience.

There have been closing ceremonies that have been bigger in terms of having more numbers dancing (usually lots of children) and probably more fireworks but that wasn’t needed.

The sport presentation was brilliant. There were huge winners in terms of the popularity of some of the sports like basketball and netball.

The atmosphere was amazing, whether England was playing or not, but when they were playing it was absolutely outstanding. The organisers had thought about the size of the venues as well to maximise the support, the noise and the feedback that the players got.

All the athletes I spoke to said how amazing they thought it was. A personal highlight in the wheelchair basketball was when Northern Ireland beat Australia – something that would never have been expected.

On the final Saturday I went out to the NEC, which was the venue for a number of sports. I rushed between boxing and table tennis, willing Welsh athletes to hurry up a bit so that I could get in as many events as possible.

Competing as home countries rather than GB is always interesting. Seeing athletes from Jersey, Guernsey and so on is always lovely as well.

Keeping Ozzy Osbourne a secret for the closing ceremony was also amazing. The moment he appeared, the crowd went wild.

I don’t miss clearing out of the village at the end of a Games. Having 3,000 athletes leaving on the same day is a bit chaotic.

But Birmingham should be really proud of what they have done and it is a big thank you to them for an amazing two weeks.

Birmingham should be really proud and it is a

big thank you to them for an amazing two

weeks