GYMNASTS Rhys McClenaghan, Eamon Montgomery and Ewan McAteer are among the Northern Ireland athletes in competition during the first day of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham today.
The athletes feared they could not compete after the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) ruled in May that the trio could not represent Northern Ireland because they had represented Ireland in international competition.
The FIG later changed its ruling following criticism by politicians and sports stars.
The opening ceremony of the games was held last night.
Communities minister Deirdre Hargey was among those who attended.
She praised all athletes taking part as an "inspiration to us all".
She added: "I particularly want to pay tribute to our three gymnasts and to say how pleased I am that they are able to compete on this international stage.
"I am delighted that they and indeed all the athletes, through competing at events such as these, will inspire many more young people to engage in sport."
During her time in Birmingham, Ms Hargey will attend an event hosted by the Scottish Government to celebrate 10 years of the Daily Mile, an initiative which encourages pupils to run or walk for 15 minutes every day.
"Increasing participation in sport and physical activity, particularly female participation, is a key priority for my department and a key theme in the new Strategy for Sport and Physical Activity – Active Living," she said.
"It is about working together to get those involved in sport to realise that inclusion and equality are critical elements of growing participation in sport and the importance of physical activity from a young age."
