16th Games of the Small States of Europe

Yesterday saw the exciting opening ceremony of the 16th Games of the Small States of Europe, held in Iceland for the first time in thirty years.

The Games of the Small States of Europe take place every two years. This year, 706 athletes from nine countries (Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro and San Marino) will be competing in eleven disciplines from today until Saturday.

Icelandic newsreader Þóra Arn­órs­dótt­ir welcomed the 1,200 gathered spectators, who were then treated to a traditionally glittering performance by Icelandic pop legend Páll Óskar Hjálm­týs­son.

The Games will see athletes going for gold in athletics, basketball, beach volleyball, golf, gymnastics, judo, shooting, swimming, table tennis, tennis and volleyball.

Iceland’s flag-bearer was Hlyn­ur Bær­ings­son (basketball) and Ragn­heiður Run­ólfs­dóttir (swimming) had the honour lighting the Olympic flame. The games were officially declared open by Icelandic President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson.

The sporting action for Iceland begins at 10am this morning when Icelandic tennis no 1, Birk­ir Gunn­ars­son, takes on Malta’s Bradley Callus.

Icelandic PM, Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson, together with HRH Prince Albert II of Monaco. Photo: Golli

Blossi, mascot of the 16th Games of the Small States of Europe. Photo: Golli

Iceland's pop superstare Páll Óskar Hjálm­týs­son got the party started. Photo: Golli

Fans have come from all over Europe to support their teams. Photo: Golli

President of the National Olympic and Sports Association of Iceland, Lár­us H. Blön­dal. Photo: Golli

The Icelandic delegation. Photo: Golli

Hlyn­ur Bær­ings­son (basketball) has the honour of being Iceland's flag-bearer. Photo: Golli

The glitter and excitement of the opening ceremony. Photo: Golli