ROANOKE - Virginia's Olympics, the 23rd annual Subway Commonwealth Games, are officially underway after a fun-filled night at the Roanoke Civic Center.
Sports Director Dennis Carter was one of the hosts for Opening Ceremonies Friday night and the evening began with a big crowd for the Athlete Tailgate Party.
The Washington Redskins have plenty of fans in this area and lots came out to see their heroes. There were current Redskin players and some standouts from past years like Ken Harvey, Dexter Manley and Roy Jefferson. The Redskins stopping by as part of their 80th Anniversary "Thank You Tour." Then tonight, the Parade of Athletes kicked off Opening Ceremonies, again this year some nine thousand athletes will compete in 55 different sports. The Rise Above BMX Team wowed the crowd with their daredevil antics. The newly-crowned Miss Virginia Rosemary Willis performed, and athletes got to hear from Olympic gold medal speedskater Joey Cheek who grew up in Greensboro.
