Commonwealth Games: Wrap-up and farewell

ALL THE NEWS, ACTION AND REACTION LIVE FROM GLASGOW 2014 AS IT HAPPENS!

By Nick Butler and Paul Osborne in Glasgow
Click refresh for latest updates. All times stated are British

Goodbye!

18:30 On that note, it is time to wrap-up our final live blog from Glasgow 2014 and say goodbye from all the team here at insidethegames. We have certainly enjoyed the last 12 days and we hope you have as well, and, remember, you can still vote in our poll to select your favourite moment of the Games.

All that is left to say now is see you in Gold Coast in four years time, although the insidethegames live blog will be back up and running long before then, at the 2nd Summer Youth Olympics in Nanjing later this month!

Team Scotland parade

18:20 Sticking with Scotland now with news that Team Scotland will thank the public for its Glasgow 2014 support at a parade through the city next Friday.

The finale to the Commonwealth Games will begin at Kelvingrove, home of the lawn bowls, and finish in George Square, where an expected 5,000-strong crowd is expected to greet the athletes.

Seven vehicles will transport the Games heroes along the route, with members of the public encouraged to line the path and cheer them on.

Tickets for the George Square event on August 15 will be available through competitions run by selected newspapers and radio stations.

Team Scotland won a record 53 medals in the competition which saw gold medallists including swimmers Ross Murdoch and Dan Wallace and boxers Josh Taylor and Charlie Flynn catapulted into the hearts of the Scottish public.

Chef de mission Jon Doig said: "The athletes' parade is an exciting opportunity for Team Scotland to thank the people of Scotland for their backing throughout the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

"Their support was vital, roaring on our athletes as they proudly competed for Scotland and the parade will be a fitting finale, where everyone can share in the moment and celebrate the achievements of the Games."

Cabinet Secretary for Commonwealth Games Shona Robison added: "The parade's atmosphere will be unbelievable.

"We have already seen the huge numbers of people across Scotland coming out to cheer the baton relay and this is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Scotland to once again show their support and appreciation for all of Team Scotland.

"Glasgow has delivered the best Games ever and the people help make that happen.

"It's only fitting that both athletes and the public can say a big thank you to each other."

Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council, said the parade would be the "perfect finale to the best-ever Games".

Salmond's views on Glasgow 2014

18:00 One man we've heard very little from over the past two weeks, mainly due to his self-proclaimed, "self-denying ordinance", is Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond.

Now the Games are over, Salmond has done what Salmond does best - talk. Here are his thoughts on the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

"From the moment the opening ceremony kicked off, everything about these Games has been a huge credit to Glasgow and Scotland. It has truly been a gallus and glittering Games.

"The atmosphere in the city has been electric – everyone has played their part and have given a gold medal performance ensuring the tens of thousands of visitors have been made to feel at home. Even the Scottish weather has done its bit.

"Our fantastic athletes have pulled off a record medal haul – smashing previous totals, national records and personal bests. But, we aren't just celebrating our medal winners; every single member of Team Scotland done us proud. There is no higher honour than to represent your country on a global stage.

"And it wasn't just gold, silver and bronze – there were even two diamonds, with Chris Pritchard and Aileen McGlynn getting engaged to their respective partners.

"Of course there was sport, but we cannot forget the part that Glasgow has played in delivering what was the best and friendliest Commonwealth Games ever. Our 15,000 Clyde-siders have exemplified the friendly nature that Scotland is famed for.

"I also want to pay credit to the impeccable work of our emergency services and armed forces who have gone beyond the call of duty to ensure a safe environment for athletes, spectators and volunteers alike. We owe them a tremendous gratitude, adding to the spirit of the Games. Such was their enthusiasm for the Games that they all cheered on Chris Sherrington, a Royal Marine Commando in the Royal Navy who took gold in the 100kg judo and Police Scotland community officer PC Darren Burnett who won gold in the bowling singles competition.

"I think England has performed really well and give credit to them. I think they've probably achieved higher and we've probably achieved about what we expected. That gives us a challenge and there were some factors in their favour here that will be in our favour when the Games come to the Gold Coast in four years' time. Whilst our athletes here have performed terrifically well I'm sure there will be great momentum now going to the Gold Coast to make sure we rewrite our rightful place in the sporting battle that is Australia versus England"
- Australian Chef de Mission Steve Moneghetti is looking forward to getting revenge at Gold Coast 2018.

"Though it slightly irritates me when they are deemed 'the best ever', a honour which would probably be declared these days even if no athletes turned up and no stadiums were built, Glasgow 2014 has provided plenty of highs. Stupid as it was, I enjoyed the histrionics that surrounded Usain Bolt, particularly at the press conference when he was asked to pose for a selfie, as well as the friendly and helpful nature of all the officials and volunteers we dealt with. On a sporting note, my highlight was the women's hockey final, another compelling chapter in one of sports' greatest rivalries. But for sheer excitement, it had to be the Media Mile, a chance to run on the same track as Usain Bolt and Kirani James, and, ahem, race my colleagues in a brutal four lap tester."
- Reporter Nick Butler gives his thoughts on Glasgow 2014. If you fancy a more detailed analysis of Nick's views on the Games, why not take a read of his latest blog.

Indian Olympic Association secretary general sees drink driving charges dropped

17:45 Indian Olympic Association secretary general Rajeev Mehta and wrestling referee Virender Malik have today been released after charges against them were dropped due to lack of evidence.

Mehta was arrested on Saturday night for allegedly driving without a licence and above the legal alcohol limit, while Malik was arrested on the same night in an unrelated incident involving an alleged sexual assault.

The charges against both the Indian officials were dropped and the matter did not come up for hearing at the Sheriff's Court, according to an Indian High Commission official.

"Charges against both of them have been dropped due to lack of evidence. They have been released without any charges being framed," the High Commission official said.

For full details on the pairs arrests, read Nick Butler's article here.

Duncan Mackay new

"My overriding memory of Glasgow 2014 will be the brilliant atmosphere and superb organisation. Having covered them since the seeds of the bid were sown when Manchester hosted the Games 12 years ago, it was wonderful to see Glasgow's plans come together so wonderfully.

"Having attended my first Commonwealth Games at Victoria in 1994 these were easily the best. Kuala Lumpur in 1998, Manchester and Melbourne in 2006 all had their high points but Glasgow was on a different level.

"The quality of the venues, the compactness of the city, the friendliness of the volunteers and the quality of competition all came together so magically to produce a never-to-be-forgotten experience that will go down as a high-point in Glasgow's long and distinguished history.

"My favourite sporting memory came in the boxing at The Hydro when Scotland's Charlie Flynn beat Northern Ireland's Joe Fiztpartick in the lightweight division. He was then presented with his medal by amateur boxing legend Dick McTaggart and all 11,000 people inside the arena seemed to join in the stirring rendition of Flower of Scotland."
- Editor Duncan Mackay gives his opinion on Glasgow 2014.

"So good to hear. Sir Phillip is always so positive. Need more like him in the IOC"
- St Lucia's IOC member Richard Peterkin is pleased to hear the praise of International Paralympic Committee President Sir Philip Craven following the success of the Para-sport events at Glasgow 2014.

To read Sir Philip's thoughts on Glasgow 2014, click here.

Top quality athletics

16:30 Athletics at Glasgow 2014 was the highest quality since Manchester 2002, new figures published today have revealed.

All-Athletics.com, a Hungarian-based website which analyses the performances of athletics events from around the world, scored Glasgow 2014 at 176,181 points. That makes the event currently the best multidays event in athletics this year.

Manchester 2002 had 172, 588, which was the third best multidays event of the year. Melbourne 2006 scored 172,502, fifth best of that year, and New Delhi 2010 169,641, the fourth best.

Glasgow 2014 benefited from being staged in the middle of the European track season, which meant top stars like David Rudisha, Nijel Amos and Usain Bolt took part, compared to Melbourne and New Delhi which took place at times when several top athletes had yet to start their seasons or had finished them.

16:10 Bianca Chatfield, vice-captain of the Australian netball team, has announced her retirement from international netball.

Chatfield was instrumental in the Australian 'Diamonds' gold medal success at Glasgow 2014, where they beat defending champions New Zealand 58-40 in the gold medal final.

The Aussie made the announcement on her twitter feed earlier today...

Bianca Chatfield @biancachatfield
I'm saying goodbye to @AussieDiamonds! Since 2001 it's been a dream come true! So many incredible people. Grateful is an understatement!

Explaining her decision, the Melbourne Vixens star added: "A couple of months ago I remember thinking that the Commonwealth Games means the absolute world to me so to get to the Games from where I've come from I really wanted to win that gold medal.

"When I look forward to the 2015 Netball World Cup I realised that a lot of hard work has to happen and I just don't think that I can give any more to the Diamonds.

"I've loved every moment, there have been so many challenges and amazing times along the way, but the team comes first and I want the Diamonds to head into the World Cup with the best prepared players."

15:40 Following the success of Glasgow 2014, the Organising Committee has sent a big 'thank you' to all of its sponsor who "have created memorable campaigns and delivered valuable services to the Organising Committee".

According to a statement the sponsor programme exceeded its targets and played "a big part in the overall commercial target of £100m."

"Glasgow 2014 has been in good company, with a wide range of brands from around Scotland, the UK and worldwide. Without the valuable contribution of these sponsors, the Games would not have been possible."

Speaking of the sponsors David Grevemberg, chief executive of Glasgow 2014, added: "I'd like to say thank you to each and every sponsor of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games for the vital contribution you have made to the success of the Games and the commercial legacy we leave behind. The support we have received from our 46 sponsors during our shared journey to the Games has been unrelenting and supportive.

"Hosting a Commonwealth Games isn't possible without shared common goals and we have been fortunate to have such a strong group of sponsors who share our ambitions and have been fully committed to making the Games a success."

Sarah Bowron

"I particularly enjoyed meeting so many people during the Games, including Sir Arlington Butler, a former President of the Bahamas Olympic Committee for 35 years, as well as dancing with the Kiribati Sports Minister to Kylie Minogue. But the real lasting memory I will go home with is an understanding of why insidethegames editor Duncan Mackay likes the Commonwealth Games so much. It's like a great big family wedding reception, with so many people mixing together, enjoying the sport but also everything else that is going on."
- insidethegames managing director Sarah Bowron gives her reflections on Glasgow 2014.

'Loved your work @GenGen_LaCaze - joining the party on stage to celebrate your b'day in the spirit of the Games!''
- Australian runner congratulates teammate Genevieve LaCaze after she gatecrashed Kylie Minogue's set during the Closing Ceremony last night

And just in case you missed it last night...

Genevieve LaCaze on stage during the performance of Kylie Minogue ©Getty Images

Genevieve LaCaze on stage during the performance of Kylie Minogue ©Getty Images

14:44 Historian Philip Barker seemed strangely subdued after the Closing Ceremony last night. "It made me realise even more how great the Closing Ceremony in Sochi was," he said at the time (see 10:17 for more reaction).

But he certainly enjoyed these Games, and he has scuttled off to Edinburgh today already to sample more of Scotland.... Here are his overall reflections.

"

The sportsmanship of the Scottish crowds to all nations. Enthusiastic for Scottish success of course, but not to the detriment of any other team. Anywhere Flower of Scotland was sung was a moment to cherish. The roar at Ibrox for the Ugandan and Bajan Rugby teams was unforgettable and the classic finishes to the men's 800m and 10,000m, and England's 4x400m relay triumph will live long in the memory.And of course Usain Bolt from his dance to the Proclaimers to a lap of honour that took far longer than he would take to sprint 500 miles."
- Olympic and Commonwealth Games historian Philip Barker on his highlights of the Games.

New Zealand hockey captain Couzins announces retirement

14:20 New Zealand captain Dean Couzins has officially announced his retirement from the sport following his teams fourth place finish at Glasgow 2014. Couzins has played 318 test caps for the country, the second most capped men's hockey player in the country's history.

New Zealand hockey captain Dean Couzins has announced his retirement ©Getty Images

New Zealand hockey captain Dean Couzins has announced his retirement ©Getty Images

The 33-year old defender from Auckland has been the rock of the Black Sticks defence for 13 years and coach Colin Batch says his experience and leadership will be well missed by the team. Couzins is known for his intelligent, skilful play and determination when it comes to leading his side both on and off the field.

As the build-up to the Rio Olympics continues and with the qualification tournament only nine months away, Couzins felt he couldn't commit to another Olympic cycle and it was a good time now to stand down and let others take over.

Couzins has played in three Olympic Games and four Commonwealth Games and thanks his family, friends and all the people that have supported him during his outstanding career.

Samoan success at Glasgow 2014

13:55 Sisters Mary and Ele Opeloge each won silver medals in the two heaviest female weightlifting categories at Glasgow 2014. Here they reflect on their performances, as well as their impressions of Glasgow...

"I only watched the Closing Ceremony on Channel 10 in Australia and did not see it live, but were the Closing Ceremony Flagbearers from each nation completely missing in action? This is always a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the athletes, but they didn't seem to appear in any sort of parade, even informally, as has been the tradition at recent Games. Instead, we seemed to get about half an hour of Kylie Minogue!!"
- insidethegames reader David Clark on the Closing Ceremony.

"I can't quite work out whether the build-up to Usain Bolt's brief Hampden Park outing - Boltmania, let's call it - was a little bit much. As Michael Johnson put it after his 4x100 metres relay heat, "was that it?" The crowd inside Hampden certainly lapped it up, and Bolt, ever the showman, milked the reception. But Glasgow 2014, for me, was more about the unlikely heroes. The weightlifter from Kiribati who left his homeland four years ago with the dream of winning his country's first medal - something he achieved. The 13-year-old swimmer from the Shetland Islands who won a bronze. Her countryman Ross Murdoch who looked as stunned as the rest of us when he beat poster boy Michael Jamieson to 200m breastroke gold. These rising stars may feature again on a grander stage at Rio or Tokyo, but for others this will be the best it ever gets. And that's why Glasgow 2014, and the Commonwealth Games of the future, are so important to so many."
- Insidethegames deputy editor Zjan Shirinian on some of the unlikely stars of Glasgow 2014.

Glasgow 2014 the Irn Bru Games?

13:13 Whether it was being swigged by athletes in post race press conferences, handed out by enthusiastic volunteers outside venues, or drank by tired journalists when the hotel bar had run out of, well, anything else, Irn Bru has dominated proceedings here in Glasgow.

The company has now marked the close of the Games with an advert paying an irreverent and patriotic homage to the underdog...

13:03 Could England's football and cricket teams learn from Team England? Alan Hubbard thinks so...

"Pride and passion. These were the commodities that shone through the glorious Games from start to finish - never more so than in the ranks of Team England. These twin towers, allied of course to well-honed talent, propelled England to the top of the medals table for the first time in 28 years. You could see both pride and passion in the eyes of those performing in every arena, whether bowls or boxing, athletics or squash, gymnastics or swimming. Whether sploshing or splashing, dashing or diving, they were proud to be there and passionate about reaching the podium. Of course, not all of them did, but at least they gave it a damn good try.

Contrast this to the other side of England's sporting summer - the pathetic efforts of dear old Uncle Roy's pampered, over-rated prima donnas in football's World Cup and to some extent, until they finally got their act together in the last Test, Alastair Cook's equally unmerry men. Unlike our folorn footballers, England's Commonwealth Games squad - like those of the 70 other nations-exuded a vibrant presence which suggested they were privileged and delighted to be part of such an occasion. And England raised their game spectacularly.

I wonder just how many of those Word Cup wallies bothered to drag themselves away from beaches, bars, or conflabs with their agents over salary hikes, to watch the Commonwealth Games. If any did,they surely would have learned something about themselves - and how sport can be played with pride and passion."
- insidethegames columnist Alan Hubbard compared Team England with the national football team.

Ford hail benefits of supporting Games

Ford have been one of the lead sponsors of Glasgow 2014 ©Ford

Ford have been one of the lead sponsors of Glasgow 2014 ©Ford

12:40 "The Commonwealth Games has worked very well for us," said Mark Ovenden, managing director of Ford of Britain, who were one of the main Glasgow 2014 sponsors. "In the spirit of [Ford's global strapline] 'Go Further', the Commonwealth Games fitted with that ethos.

"It works, clearly, as we're the market leader in Britain – when you have a major event like this in Britain, we should be involved. You've have 71 countries competing here and we sell cars in pretty much all of them.

"More locally, this was a major event for Scotland, and Scotland is important to Ford. The other thing it allowed us to do is showcase the range and breadth of our products, and technology such as our EcoBoost engine."

Ford provided the miniature Transit vans scurrying around Hampden Park during the field events at the athletics which proved such a hit with the spectators and television viewers."

More on arrest of high ranking Indian official

12:24 In an unrelated incident that also took place last Saturday (August 2) evening, an Indian wrestling referee, Virender Singh Malik, was arrested on charges of sexual assault on a hotel receptionist.

Malik's allegedly tried to molest a hotel receptionist, with the receptionist complaining that the wrestling referee had assaulted her on the pretext of putting India's pin on her blazer.

12:08 Mehta was appointed IOA general secretary last February at the same time as Narayana Ramachandran was elected President in elections which are permitted the country to be re-introduced into the Olympic Movement following a 14-month suspension. Read our article on his arrest here.

11:50 Some more information on the news we brought you yesterday now that Indian Olympic Association (IOA) secretary general Rajeev Mehta has been arrested on two driving related charges. It appears this came after a party thrown by Gymnastics Federation of India president Jaspal Singh Kandhari to celebrate the bronze medal won by gymnast Dipa Karmakar.

"It was after Mr Kandhari's party to celebrate Dipa's historic feet that Mr Mehta left the party scene in a tipsy state. Later, we came to know that he met with an accident under the influence of alcohol and was detained by the police there," an IOA official told DNA India.

In India, a chorus demanding Mehta's removal has gained momentum. Former president Vijay Kumar Malhotra has demanded an emergency meeting of IOA to discuss the shameful issue.

"IOA president Mr Ramachandran should convene an emergency meeting of the IOA as soon as he returns from Glasgow and take stern action against the officials, if they are found guilty." Malhotra said.

Hockey and squash also paying tribute

"The games are over. On a train home. Boo! Wish we could wind the clock back 2 weeks!"
- Scottish men's hockey player Chris Nelson reflecting most people's mood today.

11:34 A peak television audience of one million viewers tuned in to BBC1 to watch Nick Matthew and Nicol David claim Gold in the finals of the Commonwealth Games squash competition last Monday (July 28), it has been revealed.

Figures released by the British broadcaster show that 0.8 million viewers tuned in to see David, the Malaysian world number, beat England's world champion Laura Massaro in a intriguing 3-0 win while the audience rose to one million as Matthew took on perennial rival James Willstrop in the final of the men's singles event.

The Yorkshire-duo dazzled the crowds and viewers alike as they battled for 100-minutes in a thrilling 11-9, 8-11, 11-5, 6-11, 11-5 encounter which saw Matthew claim his second successive singles gold medal.

"The finals of both the men's and women's singles at the Commonwealth Games displayed the passion, dedication and competitiveness which demonstrates precisely the kind of attributes that make squash a perfect fit for such a global sporting platform," said Professional Squash Association chief executive Alex Gough.

"It's testament to the temperament and talents of all four finalists, and all the competitors in the Commonwealth Games, that the sport is currently riding high on a wave of high-profile public support."

Too much propaganda at sporting events?

11:18 Do you agree with David Owen's views on the overbearing messages during sporting events?

DavidOwen

"Not being in Glasgow, I was reliant on the BBC to follow the Games. So I was particularly grateful to Mike Costello, whose knowledge and professionalism stand out ever more with each passing season.

Isn't it time though that we reversed this trend of incorporating often inane Games-related content into a seemingly ever wider range of programmes at Games-time? Ditto the 'sport is good for you' propaganda: it's not that I wildly disagree (obviously), but any self-respecting teenager would be put off by the relentless lecturing. There was a time in the early days of Glasgow 2014 when I felt I was being urged to get on my bike or into my pool every time I turned on the radio."
- insidethegames chief columnist David Owen gives his thoughts on the Games.

More thanks to Glasgow 2014

10:55 Back to the sport, and good to see a positive message about the Games from Brian Lewis, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee, following his criticism in the build-up of the CGF for accusing his country, along with seven others, of "bungling" their entries for the Games.

As well as their medals in athletics, Trinidad and Tobago thoroughly embraced the "Friendly Games" in team sports, such as rugby sevens and hockey.

Trinidad and Tobago's hockey team helped light up Glasgow 2014 ©Getty Images

"Thank you. Glasgow. Great Games. Congratulations to everyone associated with Glasgow 2014. The volunteers, the people of Glasgow. The Organising Committee. Louise Martin. Trinidad and Tobago expresses its deep gratitude and appreciation. Thank you Glasgow.
Those who have doubts or Question the importance of the Commonwealth Games the enthusiasm and support enjoyed by the athletes and the various events are a source of encouragement. Well done Glasgow.
Team Trinidad and Tobago came away with eight medals( three silver and five bronze). Our 2nd highest medal tally. Kingston 1966 is still our best ever with nine medals - five gold,two silver and two bronze. Our athletes gave their best and their performances augur well for the future."
- Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee President Brian Lewis gives his thanks to Glasgow in a special message sent to insidethegames.

Commemorations to mark the beginning of the First World War

10:34 It is a hugely symbolic day today away from the Games, because it is exactly 100 years since war was declared on Germany to mark the outbreak of the First World War.

To mark the occasion, here is one of best known poems documenting the horror of the war. "Dulce Et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen. Owen was killed in action on November 4,1918, barely a week before the four year conflict, which caused an estimated 16 million deaths across the world, ended.

Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,
Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,
Till on the haunting flare we turned our backs
And towards our distant rest began to trudge.
Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots
But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind;
Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots
Of tired, outstripped Five-Nines that dropped behind.
Gas! Gas! Quick, boys! – An ecstasy of fumbling,
Fitting the clumsy helmet just in time;
But someone still was yelling out and stumbling,
And flound'ring like a man in fire or lime. . .
Dim, through the misty panes and thick green light,
As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.
In all my dreams, before my helpless sight,
He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.
If in some smothering dreams you too could pace
Behind the wagon that we flung him in,
And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,
His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin;
If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood
Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,
Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud
Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,
My friend, you would not tell with such high zest
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est
Pro patria mori.

Commemorations are being held to mark 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War ©Getty Images

Commemorations are being held to mark 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War ©Getty Images

Like all walks of life, the Olympic Movement was affected by the outbreak of War and, when you have a moment, please have a look at Philip Barker's Big Read: "A tribute to the Olympic Movement's fallen".

It is a must read for anyone interested in sporting and more general history.

Closing Ceremony reaction?

10:17 For more coverage of the Closing Ceremony, have a look at our live blog last night, or our report afterwards. In truth, our view was that it didn't live up to the Opening Ceremony and didn't quite get the balance between speeches and music quite right. But it was still a fun affair and, as many people have pointed out, you cannot really go wrong with Kylie Minogue.

Glasgow 2014 was declared over in a party-like atmosphere celebrating Scottish and Glasweigan values ©Getty Images

Glasgow 2014 was declared over in a party-like atmosphere celebrating Scottish and Glasweigan values ©Getty Images

Kylie Minogue performed a medley a songs to a buoyant crowd ©Getty Images

"The arena had been transformed in less than eighteen hours and one of the most famous football grounds in the world had become a passable representation of the great Glasgow music festival Tea in the Park. Glasgow's was less a closing ceremony, more a giant pop concert complete with festival tents,but it is a criticism that could be levelled against almost every organising committee since the television age demanded a visual spectacular to end the Games.

The entry of the athletes is designed to be informal in contrast to the opening.It follows an idea from an Australian-Chinese boy John Ian Wing at the 1956 Olympics to bring the participants in without distinction of nationality.
Here they took the idea a stage further and the athletes were already in the arena hidden inside the tents. As Lulu launched into Shout they appeared from their hiding places and had a front row view. At the Edinburgh closing in 1986, organisers had been criticised because they only allowed a small group of competitors from each team to march. The rest of them broke ranks to the evident irritation of the organising committee.Here the intervention of Australian steeplechaser Genevieve La Caze was something that organisers had not bargained for , but at least it was only one athlete and her participation was an expression of joy. The last time the stage was invaded in this way came at the 2006 Winter Olympics when the speech of Torino Organising Committee boss Valentino Castellani was briefly interrupted by a protester who wanted to highlight his opposition to a high speed train network.

The striking and lowering of the Commonwealth Games Federation flag is an important part of the ceremony. At previous Games in Scotland it had been trooped by the Black Watch. Here though,the flag was "crowd surfed" above the athletes. It was a moment which brought to mind the 1992 Barcelona Olympics when a giant Olympic flag was pulled across the entire field covering the competitors. At the Olympics the ceremonial Olympic flag is waved by the mayors of the present and future host cities but , the Commonwealth Games flag is handed was folded with traditional precision by a colour party from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force and handed to Gold Coast City Mayor Tom Tate.

The closing declaration by HRH Prince Edward was also modified from the traditional word form used for many years.May they display cheerfulness and concord, so that the spirit of our Family of Nations may be carried on with every great eagerness, courage and honour for the good of humanity and the peace of the world." This phrase " for the good of humanity and the Peace of the World" did not appear when Prince Edward closed the Games in Delhi, but reappeared here as part of a reworded declaration. There was a certainly symmetry to the grand finale . Auld Lang Syne rang through the air just as it had done the last time the Games were held in Scotland 28 years ago."
- Olympic and Commonwealth Games historian Philip Barker delivers his verdict on the Closing Ceremony.

09:58 We are going to be bringing you the Glasgow 2014 highlights - or lowlights - from all the insidethegames team throughout the day, starting with our chief feature writer, Mike Rowbottom, who continues along the predominant lines of Usain Bolt...

"I loved seeing Jo Pavey make her late run - at the end of her race, and near the end of her track career - to get in amongst the Kenyans for a 5000m medal. I also loved seeing Usain Bolt chatting to the young woman charged with looking after his kit box before the 4x100m relay heats. She tried so hard to behave as if she was standing opposite just another athlete, but in the end she had to acknowledge she was standing in front of one of the best known, and most naturally funny, people in the world, who then offered his knuckle to her knuckle, eliciting a big grin. Top PR after a difficult week, of course - but Bolt has been making people smile for years."
- insidethegames chief feature writer, Mike Rowbottom, on Glasgow 2014.

Bolt's Games in Glasgow?

09:40 One athlete who left his mark on Glasgow like now other was Usain Bolt. From that farcical press conference where one of the questions was "Can I have a selfie?" to his supposed criticism of the Games, to his electrifying 4 x 100m relay anchor leg to propel Jamaica to success, Bolt was making headlines left, right and centre.

Bolt has said that he will focus on the 200m rather than the 100m in future, which means the days of him tripling up at major championships could be over.

Fans make the Games fun..Glasgow was crazy energy and we will meet again soon..#Glasgow2014 #CWG2014 #Funtimes
- Usain Bolt delivers his verdict

New Zealand team praise Glasgow 2014

Shot put champion Valerie Adams was one New Zealand star at Glasgow 2014 ©Getty Images

Shot put champion Valerie Adams was one New Zealand star at Glasgow 2014 ©Getty Images

09:25 New Zealand have been celebrating the 45 medals they won during the Games, consisting of 14 gold, 14 silver and 17 bronze. This is the highest number of gold medals won at a Commonwealth Games outside the country and equals the medal count of Manchester 2002.

"It's been an outstanding games for New Zealand" said Chef de Mission Rob Waddell. "Not only have we won the greatest number of gold medals and equalled our previous best result at an away-games, we also won New Zealand's 600th Commonwealth Games medal."

"The attitude, commitment and performance of the athletes here in Glasgow has been high," he continued. "We've seen a strong focus on performance planning and execution and several initiatives within our team, such as the preparation and recovery unit, have really paid dividends.

"The Glasgow organisers have delivered to a very high standard and, as hosts, the people of Glasgow have been warm and welcoming."

Twitter logo

What a night! We couldn't have imagined a better way to say goodbye to #Glasgow2014 #2014Ceremony
- Glasgow 2014 provide their reaction on the Closing Ceremony

09:10 After that hefty dose of Lulu and Kylie, we will be bringing you all the post-event gossip from Hampden Park as well as more news on the Australian steeplechaser who gatecrashed Kylie's performance.

But more importantly, we will also be wrapping up all the sporting action over the last 12 days and giving you our verdicts, as well as those of many other people, on whether Glasgow 2014 was the greatest Games ever.

What were your highlights? In both a sporting and a non-sporting sense?

Tweet @insidethegames, comment below, or vote in our poll here.

Kiribati's first ever Commonwealth Games medal, a gold, in the weightlifting, is still leading the way with 43.8 per cent, with only 3.1 per cent opting for Kylie so far...

09:00 Hello and welcome back to the insidethegames live blog as we wrap up and bring you all the reaction following the Closing Ceremony of the XX Commonwealth Games.