The Games got off last night with a colourful opening ceremony at Monaco Harbour watched by an enthusiastic crowd of spectators on the stands which housed fans of the F1 Grand Prix held here the previous week.

The Maltese were dressed elegantly in their track suits. They were led by flag bearer Angela Galea, the swimmer who won Malta's first gold medal in that discipline in the Andorra Games two years ago. Chef de Mission Pippo Psaila, his assistant Marie Therese Zammit and Vince Scicluna as well as the other MOC Directors here in Monaco marched in front of the athletes.

The Maltese contingent marched behind those of Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Luxembourg and before those of San Marino and home squad Monaco, for whom, obviously, there was the biggest cheer.

Dr Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee as well as the president of the European Olympic Committee, Mr Patrick Joseph Hickey, arrived on the scene to the applause of all those present. These Games have the blessing of both bodies.

Some short addresses from the various distinguished guests followed.

In his speech, Jacques Rogge stated that he would change the name to “great Games of the small states”

The oath was taken by Pierrick Solerieu (swimmer) and Fabienne Pasetti (shooter), the former in French and the latter in English. The oath was also taken by Bernard Tressel in French and Charlotte Greppe in English, on behalf of all the officials.

The jingle of the Games brought to an end the first part of the ceremony.

The second part consisted of highlights from the following disciplines: wrestling, volleyball, swimming, boxing and shooting.

Another display concerned pollution which is invading planet Earth.

After the display, the Games flame arrived on the scenefter a marathon run around the city. The ceremony was concluded with a short speech by Sovereign Prince Albert of Monaco.

He warmly greeted the participants and told them that it was a great joy for Monaco to be hosting these Games for the second time.

Referring to the event as a fantastic success since their inception in 1985, Prince Albert said the Games serve a good purpose: that of launching new talents to prepare for Olympic participation by providing them with a special opportunity to express their capacity and their potential.

He also congratulated the Monagesque Olympic Committee on its 100th anniversary.