LET THE GAMES BEGIN
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanHail to the London Summer Olympics! As millions watched the 30th annual Opening Ceremonies on Friday evening, July 27, 2012, they were certainly not disappointed. This lavish look back at the cultural heritage of London warmed our hearts and gave us a chill at the same time.
Starting from the beginning of time and working their way through hundreds of years of British history, we watched the digital age unfold right before our very eyes after going back in time to the olde English countryside and then making way for the Industrial Revolution. Queen Elizabeth greeted the well-known James Bond actor, Daniel Craig, at Buckingham Palace and then flew to the stadium where she parachuted to the ground. Then, all of a sudden, she appeared before our eyes at the stadium with Prince Philip.
“Slum Dog Millionaire” director, Danny Boyle, put the evening together to make it one of the most defining ceremonies in history. Critics called it, “simultaneously silly and earnest, mainstream and subversive”. We were entertained by such great British artists as the Sex Pistols, Rolling Stones and to end the evening on a high note, Sir Paul McCartney himself. The former Beatle was big on audience participation.
National Health Service was spotlighted with a segment of children jumping on beds as doctors and nurses danced around them and Mary Poppins characters came down from the sky. It was colorful and comical.
A tribute to “Chariots of Fire” took place as the London Symphony Orchestra recreated the masterpiece with the famous movie scene playing on screens as the music played triumphantly.
As the theatrics came to a close, it was time for the Parade of Nations. In record-breaking time, 204 nations proudly paraded around the track at the stadium represented by the very best of athletes all eager to win a medal for their country. Flagbearers gave a contented smile and a great big wave to the crowds as they marched on.
Dignitaries graced the stands and the United States was well represented by GOP Presidential candidate, Mitt Romney and his wife. First Lady Michelle Obama led the Presidential Delegation to the Opening Ceremony 2012. She expressed her overwhelming support and urged Team USA to go out there and breathe, have fun and “in the end, winning is good.” We caught a few glimpses of Prince William and his bride Kate,Duchess of Cambridge, also beaming with wide smiles.
As the evening was drawing to a close, the handsome David Beckham, who has actively played an important role in bringing the Summer Olympics to London, transported the torch along the Thames River to the Stadium in a flashy speedboat. The torch was handed off to young and aspiring athletes between the ages of 16 to 19 years of age in a touching segment with Muhammed Ali walking up to stand by the flag with the help of his wife. This is reminiscent of his moment similar to this at the Beijing Olympics some years back.
This flame signifies the current generation carrying a new generation into this Olympic World. The torch began its 13,000 mile journey in May beginning in Greece, the originating country of the very first Olympic Games and finally coming to its final destination right here in London. The young athletes embraced their sponsors for the world to see in a somewhat emotional moment. This spectacular finale saw the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron which was formed of 205 copper petals that represented all the competing nations coming together for these games.
As the Queen of England so proudly remarked last night, “Let the Games Begin!” And today the competition is well underway.
PHOTO CREDITS: PressWire and USA Today
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