The 16th Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE) kicked off in Laugardalur, Reykjavík, with an opening ceremony yesterday evening. For a while there was a risk of the games being canceled because of strikes but the crisis was averted in time.
The 1,200 contestants used the first day of the games to familiarize themselves with the area and prepare for the competition, which begins with sharpshooting at 9 am this morning, the GSSE 2015 website reads.
Swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, athletics, gymnastics, basketball and beach volleyball are also scheduled today. Watching the sporting events is free of charge.
In line with the concept of GSSE 2015, ‘Natural Power,’ the pedestal for the cauldron is made of lava rock and glacial ice. The fire was lit by Icelandic swimming champion and multiple GSSE winner Ragnheiður Runólfsdóttir.
The games will conclude on June 6.
