The Ceremony began with an eye-catching dance performance accompanied by an equally exciting light show.

A series of different performers led seamlessly into each other prior to the Games' flag being brought out and the beginning of the Para of Nations with Andorra coming out first.

The delegation was followed by athletes from Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, San Marino, Monaco, and Montenegro before the Maltese.

Malta's team was led by tennis player Elaine Genovese and sprinter Matthew Galea Soler as flagbearers.

The 32-year-old Genovese has a career singles record of 122 wins and 104 losses and has represented Malta in the Fed Cup with 31 victories and 36 defeats.

Galea Soler made history last July when he secured a bronze medal in the boys' 400 metres at the European Youth Olympic Festival.

The 48.84-second performance made him Malta's first ever medallist in the Festival.

The pair were greeted by a roar at the Ceremony which was attended by approximately 4,000 people.

Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja then sang a rousing rendition of his country's national anthem before Sports Minister Clifton Grafta took to the stage.

"It is definitely a great joy to welcome you all for the third time in our marvellous country," he said, referring to Malta's hosting in 1993 and 2003. 

"It is my great honour to stand before you today as we gather to inaugurate the Games of the Small States of Europe.

"These Games are important as they bring Olympic sports and Olympic values to the participating countries.

"Events like this strengthens the bond of friendship between athletes and citizens of all nine participating countries and I know for a fact that the ties between our countries will grow stronger. 

"This grand occasion marks the celebration of unity, diversity, and the unbreakable spirit of small nations."

The Games are due to run until June 3 and will see medals won in athletics, basketball, 3x3 basketball, judo, rugby sevens, sailing, shooting, squash, swimming, table tennis, and tennis.