An army of artisans is racing to complete thousands of costumes for the Paris Olympics ceremonies that the designers say will each be a unique combination of history, sport and flamboyance. At a workshop in Seine-Saint-Denis on the outskirts of the French capital, some 20 costume designers and milliners were hunched over their creations during a recent visit by Agence France-Presse.

On the final day of competition at the Winter Youth Olympic Games, the host nation secured the gold medals in figure skating, the ice dance team event and snowboarding. Germany triumphed in cross-country skiing. Curling glory went to Great Britain, who beat Denmark in a thrilling final at a packed Gangneung Centre.

Prince Harry, founder of the Invictus Games in 2014, told gathered ex-servicemen and women at the Closing Ceremony of the sixth edition in Düsseldorf: "Your mission to heal and grow has been a shining example to us all."

Italian organisers of the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo has launched a search to find producers for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and Torch Relays in three years time.

The Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games formally concluded with a beach celebration here which was described by Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) chief executive Katie Sadleir as "the most athlete-centred Closing Ceremony I've ever seen".

The Santiago 2023 Pan American and Parapan American Games Organising Committee has entered a partnership with event production companies Lotus and Balich to oversee the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

The Liberal Party in Victoria has confirmed its conviction that Kardinia Park in Geelong must host both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President Dame Louise Martin has described Birmingham 2022 as "bold, buzzing and absolutely brilliant" at the Closing Ceremony here.

Birmingham said its goodbyes after a marvellous staging of the 22^nd Commonwealth Games tonight - and music, pouring out of the city down the years, was the main medium.