London Olympics 2012:

Opening ceremony, a treat to watch

Dinesh WEERAWANSA reporting from England

It was a night to remember with all ingredients that are needed for an opening ceremony of the highest level as the XXXth edition of the summer Olympiad got underway at the Olympic Stadium here last night.

The spectacular opening ceremony of the world’s greatest sports extravaganza demonstrated British pride and the rich traditions that could only be experienced at Olympic level. Sports-crazy Britons and fans from all over the world lined up along the Olympic Park, hours ahead of the opening ceremony to catch early excitement.

Those who were not lucky to find a pass ticket to enter the Olympic Stadium, packed before giant screens at public places to live telecast of the opening ceremony, named as ‘Isles of Wonder’.

The Olympic Stadium was packed to capacity of over 80,000 enthusiastic sports fans, officials, athletes and VVIPs to enjoy the enthusiasm and excitement that was generated at the highest level.

Especially, the Londoners appeared to be overjoyed as the British capital became the first city in the 116-year-old modern Olympic history to host the Games thrice. But the latest version of the Games has transformed the capital to a great sports city as the Olympics returned to London after 64 long years.

Though London had hosted the 1908 and 1948 Olympic Games, the 2012 edition is easily going to be the best out of the three. However, Sri Lanka’s first Olympic medal was won when London last hosted the Games in 1948 as Duncan White finished second in men’s 400m hurdles.

Friday’s opening ceremony was a treat to watch as spectators were on the edges of their seats most of the time during the three-hour mega opening show, graced by many Heads of State and members of the British Royal family.

The mega opening ceremony provided an opportunity for the world to view the artistic expression of its artistic director Danny Boyle and his team, apart from the culture of the host city and the UK.

British Prime Minister David Cameron was received on his arrival at the entrance of the Olympic Stadium by the President of the IOC. Queen Elizabeth 11 was greeted by IOC chief Jacques Rogge.

Procession of the participating teams in the Stadium, nation by nation attracted the packed stadium as spectators anxiously awaited to see their home team entering the arena.

Teams enter in alphabetical order, according to the language of the host country, apart from the Greek team, which enters first for the Olympics, and the team of the hosts Great Britain, which marched last.

Earlier this morning, the Olympic flame began the 70th and final day of its journey from Hampton Court Palace with Olympic Rowing gold medallist Matthew Pinsent carrying the flame on to the Royal rowbarge, the Gloriana, named by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth 11 as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

The rowbarge was rowed down the Thames to Tower Bridge by 16 oarsmen and women including Olympic Rowers James Cracknell and Jonny Searle. The last torchbearer on the Thames, Amber too the flame to City Hall.

The Olympic flame which was on public view since then finally made its way to the main Olympic stadium after a 70-day torch relay program which saw more than 13 million people lining up along the streets of the UK to show their support.

Chairman of the local organizing committee Sebastian Coe, the former British Olympic champion, was a happy man to see all the hard work of his team bearing fruitful results.

LONDON, Friday