The Hindu : Sport / Olympic Games : Opening Ceremony — a melange of the ancient and modern

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Aug 14, 2004

Sport

Sport - Olympic Games

Opening Ceremony — a melange of the ancient and modern

By S. Thyagarajan

HOMECOMING: The 28th edition of the Olympic Games returned to the land of its birth and the inaugural ceremony encapsulated the Greek mythology, civilisation and culture. — AP

ATHENS, AUG. 13. Like a rose blossoming on a fresh December dawn it unfolded, setting the mood for a great sporting carnival. The Opening Ceremony of the 28th Olympics at the aesthetically-designed Olympic Stadium, immersed in the incandescence of arc lights on a humid, starless night, conveyed to the huge audience across the globe the realisation of a dream for the people of Greece.

The presentation projected an enchanting vista of the varied and rich tapestry of the ancient Greek culture, art, folklore, philosophy and mythology of a nation, whose contribution to civilisation is multi-dimensional and fascinating in its depth of understanding and knowledge.

More than anything, the ceremony underlined the imagination and ingenuity of those who conceptualised the ideals of Olympism, born at Mount Olympia.

Conceived to bear an emotional impact on the visitors and viewers worldwide, the ceremony was an amalgam of tradition and modernity, mirroring the ethos of Greece.

It was a kaleidoscope of colour and drama that was evocative, educational and exhilarating. Meticulously planned and methodically executed, the ceremony witnessed choreography at its very best.

Two phases

As usual, the ceremony was divided into two parts — entertainment and protocol.

The atmosphere quickly surged into a mood of gaiety when the popular singer Michalis Chatzigianis sang with verve, followed by Giannis Kotsiras whose rendition of Pass The Flame evoked spontaneous cheers.

The protocol part was solemn and matched the occasion. A nostalgic programme featured on the giant screen displayed images of the ancient stadium at Olympia.

A percussionist struck a rhythm to symbolise heartbeat.

Then came the spectacular fireball which plunged into the water filled centrestage and formed the Olympic ring in flames. Fire is said to signify purity.

It was during this phase that the IOC President Jacques Rogge, ATHOC President Ms. Gianna Angelapoulos and the President of the Hellenic Republic Constantinos Stephanopoulous arrived, followed by the hoisting of the Greek flag with the singing of its national anthem.

The programme Allegory was breathtaking, depicting the evolution of the Greek civilisation which projected the different dimensions of life, including sporting activities.

A break from tradition

The parade of athletes from 202 countries took more than an hour and a half. Long jumper Anju George carried the Indian tri-colour.

Deviating from tradition, Greece, which normally enjoys the privilege of leading the marchpast, made up the rear as the host. There were loud cheers when the athletes from Afghanisatan entered the arena.

In a brief address, the IOC President Mr. Rogge mentioned about the resilience of the Olympic Movement.

The Hellenic President Mr. Stephanopoulous declared the Games open amidst fanfare and fireworks. Hundreds of children entered the arena even as eight flag-bearers grabbed attention.

The Olympic hymn, composed by Spyros Samaras and lyrics written by Kostis Palmas in 1896, was played as the flag moved up the mast. After that the oath was read.

The torch-bearers — Dimitrios Damazos (football), Nikoas Gallis (basketball), Akakios Kakiasvili (weightlifting), Nikolaos Kaklamanakis (sailing), Ioannis Melissandis (artistic gymnastics) and Ms. Paraskevi Patoulidou (athletics) — then made an appearance, relaying the sacred flame which was ignited in the huge cauldron designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.

Emotions touched a new pitch as the flames rose towards the sky. The moment signalled the beginning of the 28th Olympic Games.

It was a unique ceremony as the arena was filled with water — 21,62,000 litres which took six hours to fill but with a facility to be drained out in just three minutes.

Over 2,400 artists from the age of seven to 70 figured in the Opening Ceremony that took as many as 270 hours of rehearsal.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport