Your Majesties, Your Royal Highness, Prime Minister, First Minister, Lord Provost, distinguished guests, friends watching across the Commonwealth, and most importantly, our athletes… tonight it is my great honour to welcome you to Glasgow.

It is good to be back.

These reimagined Games have been made possible by the extraordinary legacy of 2014 and by a city that once again welcomes us with warm hearts and open arms.

I hope you will indulge me as I wear this Wallace tartan, reimagined in the colours of my home country, Uganda, in tribute to the brave hearts of Glasgow and Scotland who stepped forward to host these Games. Thank you for everything you have done to bring us here.

For the next eleven days, seventy-four nations and territories, thousands of athletes and supporters, and countless cultures and stories come together, united by one simple idea: that sport has the power to bring people together. In a world that can sometimes feel divided, that matters more than ever.

Tonight, every flag is equal. Every athlete carries the hopes of their nation. Every volunteer, official and supporter becomes part of something bigger than themselves. That is Commonwealth Sport … not just competition, but connection … not only medals, but moments that last a lifetime.

Over the coming days, records will fall, medals will be won, champions will emerge, and somewhere in this city, a young person will watch an athlete and quietly decide, "One day, that will be me." That is the true legacy of these Games.

To every Commonwealth athlete … you have already achieved something extraordinary by being here. Compete fiercely, be generous in victory, gracious in defeat, wear your colours with pride and make lifelong friends.

The Commonwealth is cheering you on, for you are truly the best of us.

Welcome to the Commonwealth Games.