Olympic Opening Ceremony Tickets
Do you have plans for August 8, 2008? If you're eagerly anticipating the start of the 2008 Olympics, or if you're lucky enough to have Olympic opening ceremony tickets, you have that date circled in red on your calendar. But one thing you may be wondering about is the structure and history of that opening program. Here are some tips to get you knowledgeable and prepared for the upcoming Olympic Games. The opening ceremony sets the tone for the pageantry of the event, and each host city spends numerous hours planning and practicing for this event. For many viewers, it is the first glimpse they will have inside a country, and the host city wants to make sure it gives a favorable impression. Since the first Olympics of the modern era in 1896, there has been some type of ceremony to commemorate the beginning of the Games. In that first Olympics, it was very simple, but over time, the ceremonies have grown in number of participants, costs and in expectation. Rule 58 in the Olympic Charter outlines the procedure to be followed for each opening ceremony.
The ceremony begins with a parade of the athletes. These participants, or delegates enter in alphabetical order according to their country. The exception is for two countries: Greece and the host country. As the site of the ancient Olympics, Greece is always honored by being the first country in the parade. The host country is always last. As each country enters the stadium, it is led by a member holding a board with the country’s name and by someone carrying a flag. Usually, it is the country’s flag, but occasionally it has been the Olympic flag or a special flag, such as the one used by North and South Korea when they marched in together. Once the delegates have entered, the Head of State of the host country officially opens the event. Speeches are given at this time by the President of the Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games and by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President. The next activity is the playing of the Olympic anthem, which was created by the first modern games in 1896. The Olympic flag is also raised at this time. One of the most anticipated events during the opening ceremonies is the lighting of the Olympic torch, followed by the release of the pigeons as a symbol of peace. An athlete who represents all participants then takes the Olympic Oath, and promises to follow the rules, use no drugs and portray good sportsmanship. This is followed by an official from the host country taking an oath, on behalf of all officials, promising to be fair and impartial. Once the oaths have been taken, the national anthem of the host country is played, and the excitement of the artistic program begins. The artistic program is the showcase for the host country, as it strives to tell a story of its culture through dance and music. Let the games begin!
