Nobel Prize laureate and activist Malala Yousafzai attended the Commonwealth Games inauguration ceremony on Friday and gave an inspiring speech in Birmingham.
“When I first came to this city, I had never heard its name but I would come to understand it through the doctors and nurses at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital,” said Malala.
“Through the teachers who inspired me at school, helped my mother to learn English and taught my little brothers to drive,” she added.
“To the library of Birmingham, through the friends, I have made, from my best friend Ellen, a lifelong Brummy – to the families that have come here from Zimbabwe, Hong Kong, Pakistan and beyond.”
“Tonight teams from 72 countries and territories join the people of Birmingham to celebrate friendship across borders,” said Malala addressing the crowd during the Opening Ceremony.
“The young athletes who will compete over the next few weeks represent millions of girls and boys across the Commonwealth – our shared hope for the future.”
“A future where every child can go to school, where women are free to participate in society, where families can live in peace and in dignity.”
“Over the next two weeks when we watch the incredible athletes of the Commonwealth Games, remember that every child deserves the chance to reach her full potential and pursue her wildest dreams.”
“And now, it is my honour to say welcome to Birmingham.”
Pakistan has sent a contingent of 103 members to Birmingham who will participate in 13 different sports.
