Performer Development Centre athlete Mark Montgomery has been named as the official Flagbearer of the Northern Ireland Team. His qualities are such that he has won respect and admiration from other team members.
Chef de Mission Robert McVeigh said:
"The flagbearer is an important role in that he leads the Northern Ireland Team out into the Stadium at the Opening Ceremony on Sunday 3rd October. The entire team including coaches and management are very much looking forward to this momentous occasion. Louise Aiken (Shooting) was the flagbearer at the last Commonwealth Games".
Mark Montgomery who competed in the Manchester 2002 Games in the sport of Judo where he finished in 5th place has been delighted to get selected for this role.
Mark said:
"The Commonwealth Games is the only multi-sport event which Northern Ireland can be represented in and to be selected for flagbearer is the biggest sporting honor that anyone could have for their country and for me it is exactly that. This is also fantastic for wrestling as it will give the sport deserved exposure in NI and throughout the UK.
It will be crazy to walk out into the stadium which is now sold out for the Opening Ceremony. There is a great team atmosphere in Team Northern Ireland and to walk out in front of them will be the highlight of my sporting career so far".
The Aghalee man finished in fifth place at the 2002 Games in Manchester and he is aiming high again, only 18 months after taking advantage of Sport NI’s Talent Transfer Initiative and swapping his belt for wrestling garb. He has already had a successful year winning a silver medal in the Sardinian Cup in the spring and a bronze medal in Kosovo. He is coached by John O'Rawe and is a member of the Red Hog Wrestling Club.
Team Northern Ireland attended a 'Welcome Ceremony' yesterday where the flag of the contingents from Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and Guernsey were hoisted amidst dance and celebration.
The contingents were welcomed by Village Mayor, Mr. Dalbir Singh, mascot Shera and volunteers. The delegates were presented traditional Indian stole (angavastra) on the occasion. The contingents are headed by their Chefs de Mission Patience Shikwambana (South Africa), Mr. Chris Jenkins (Wales) and South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Harris Majeke. The National flags were raised by volunteers from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and the Victory Ceremony songs were sung. As a souvenir of the beautiful journey of the Queens Baton Relay 2010 Delhi, replicas of the QBR were presented to the contingents. The team enjoyed the entertainment as they took a break from their daily training.
