"Good evening, Your Royal Highnesses, Lord Provost of Glasgow, distinguished guests, athletes, and friends, and to everyone in this great city. Thank you for a brilliant Commonwealth Games.

Every host writes its own chapter. Glasgow's has been one of courage, friendship and outstanding innovation, a bridge to a bright and united future.

Tonight, we celebrate an extraordinary eleven days of competition, friendship and shared purpose. 215 medal events,. A first ever Commonwealth Games medal for Rwanda and a first gold for Dominica; the largest ever Para Sport programme in our history; and the first medal of the Games awarded to a Para sport. 

I am incredibly proud of all of you and all of these achievements. To every athlete from our 74 nations and territories, thank you. You have inspired us through your excellence, determination and respect for one another. While medals are won in competition, the greatest legacy of these Games is the unity and inspiration you have shared across our Commonwealth family.

One outstanding athlete who has truly inspired us is the winner of our David Dixon Award. At every Games, an athlete who has delivered an outstanding performance and demonstrated fair play and teamwork is chosen.

For this Scottish athlete, winning the women's T54 1500m in Commonwealth Games record time was remarkable enough.

To then see that race re-run following a crash in the first lap; respond with grace, dignity and unwavering respect for the process; and return to win the gold again, securing an even faster Games record performance, was extraordinary.

She exemplified integrity and resilience, while inspiring teammates, competitors and fans alike. She embodies the very best of Commonwealth sport. The winner of the David Dixon Award is: Melanie Woods.

Congratulations Melanie. As well as commending the athletes, and before these Games draw to a close, I must also thank the thousands of volunteers, workforce, team officials, sponsors, partners, international federation colleagues and organisers whose commitment and professionalism have delivered a Games that the world will remember with admiration. You have gone above and beyond. Thank you.

And finally, to the people of Glasgow and Scotland.

Once again, you have shown what true Commonwealth hospitality looks like. You welcomed us with warmth and generosity, delivering a Games that has been innovative, action packed and unmistakably Glaswegian.

These Games have demonstrated that Commonwealth Sport continues to evolve with confidence, creativity and ambition. Glasgow has not simply staged another outstanding Games, it has helped shape the future of our Movement as we approach a remarkable milestone.

Now, we look ahead with great excitement to Amdavad, India, where, in 2030, we will celebrate one hundred years of the Commonwealth Games.

To our friends in India, we pass to you not only these Games, but a legacy of friendship, a shared passion for sport, and the spirit of this Dear Green Place.

Thank you, Glasgow and Scotland. With your help, and as we will soon hear, the Commonwealth Games are alive and kicking."