Opening Ceremonies Solidify Canada's Rugby 7s Team's Resolve in Glasgow

Canada Sevens stalwart Connor Braid admitted to having a "great time" at 2014's Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, which took place in Glasgow last night.

A sold out Celtic Park was the venue for a special evening as Scotland lifted the curtain on the festivities with a warm welcome for all of the competing nations.

Music and speeches capped a balmy weather evening as the Games were officially opened by the Queen, with Canada's delegation enjoying the entertainment and benefits of the parade and time with fellow Canadians. 

"It was a tonne of fun and solidified the reasons why we are here," he explained after Wednesday's ceremony. "As a group to experience that kind of atmosphere was pretty cool and it probably brought us all closer together ahead of the action."

Canada's Sevens team compete at Ibrox Stadium this Saturday and Sunday and have been busy preparing on and off the field for the action over recent months. However, one could sense the positives that Braid and his team will have taken from rubbing shoulders with other competitors, as he reflected on the evening.

"It was a bit quiet at first but as time wore on and we were able to see what was going on inside the stadium there was a lot of energy and fun as everyone started to get excited. Once you walked in the stadium it kind of exploded with a loud crowd and we were all having a great time. It was cool," said the Victoria native.

Now though it is back down to business as Braid prepared to rest following the late night frivolities, putting to one side what had been and re-focusing in on what lies ahead when they kick off against New Zealand, Barbados and Scotland on Day One.

"We're here for a medal," he stated with intent as Canada looks to follow up on their impressive IRB World Sevens Series campaign on the Commonwealth stage.

Credit: Rugby Canada Communications