The ninth Central American and Caribbean Games was marked by a spectacular ceremony at the National Stadium. The honour of declaring the games open was bestowed upon Governor General Sir Kenneth Blackburne. The torch's entry into the stadium was carried by members of Jamaica's legendary 1952 Helsinki Games relay team. Distinguished attendees, including government ministers and Mayor Frank Spaulding, witnessed this landmark occasion that signalled the commencement of a fortnight of spirited contests among 1,600 athletes.

Published Thursday, August 12, 1962

Colourful Games opening at Stadium

First ever in English-speaking country

Governor General performs historic ceremony

Gleaner Sports Desk

With fitting pomp and ceremony, the Ninth Central American and Caribbean Games – first ever to be held in an English-speaking country since the inception of the Games in 1926 - are declared open by His Excellency the Governor General of Jamaica, Sir Kenneth Blackburne, at the National Stadium at Independence Park.

A dramatic moment came when the Games torch was brought into the Stadium by Dr Arthur Wint, Herb McKenley, George Rhoden, and Les Laing, the three members of Jamaica’s record-shattering 1600 metres relay team at the Helsinki Games in 1952. The Azteca Flame was lit by Dr Wint.

A solemn and moving moment at the ceremony in which spectacle followed spectacle came when the flag-bearers of the fifteen countries stepped forward one by one and formed a semi-circle of flags in front of the dais and lowered their flags and George Kerr, captain of the Jamaican team, on behalf of all the athletes, took the oath. “In the name of the competitors that take part in these IX Central American and Caribbean Games, I swear on my honour as a true sportsman that I accept the rules and regulations that govern these Games and that I will compete in them for the honour and glory of sports and for the honour of my country.”

It was against this background that the Ninth Games, the greatest sporting event in Jamaica’s history, which was also attended by Ministers of Government, the Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Frank Spaulding, other dignitaries, delegates to the Games, set the stage for two exciting weeks of friendly rivalry by the 1,600 athletes who participated in the ceremony on August 11, 1962.

Other high spots of the occasion were the flag-raising, the message from Her Majesty the Queen, His Excellency the Governor General's solemn declaration in opening the Games and the closing prayers by the Lord Bishop of Jamaica, the Rt. Rev. Percival Gibson.

The mass bands, which were gathered on the football field, played lively music then at 8:00 o’clock, the Guard of Honour of soldiers, drawn from the Jamaica Regiment in their smart white uniforms, marched in through the marathon tunnel, followed later by the three outriders, preceding the grey Governor General’s car.

Next, was the car bearing the Hon. Donald Sangster, Minister of Finance, who deputised for the Prime Minister and then the car with Señor Julio Bustamante, representative of the IOC, followed by the Mayor, Councillor Frank Spaulding.

His Excellency Sir Kenneth Blackburne, the Governor General, then proceeded to the dais where he was received by Lieutenant Colonel David Smith, Commanding Officer of the First Battalion of the Jamaica Regiment. The Governor General received the Royal Salute. Colonel Smith escorted the Governor General to the Royal Box, where he was met by Mr Herbert Macdonald, President of the Organizing Committee of the Games.

The guard of honour then marched out of the arena

A magnificent Olympic Guard of young Jamaican women, dressed in the National Colours of Black, Green and Gold and wearing yellow bandanas and presented by a member of the Jamaica Regiment, bearing the Games Flag, led in the delegations, first of which was Venezuela, dressed in maroon blazers and grey trousers and skirts. Each delegation was led by a Jamaica Regiment soldier in white dress uniform and carrying the country’s name board.

For feedback: contact the Editorial Department at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.