The Games of the XXX Olympiad begin!

The Games of the XXX Olympiad begin

AS is the ritual every four years, the world’s attention will focus on London, where the best athletes are gathered to compete against one another for medals in the XXX Olympiad.
This year’s event promises spectacular battles with compelling match-ups across the board in nearly every sport. Having also hosted the Games in 1908 and 1948, London is now the first city to officially host the modern Olympics three times, and the city says it will surpass the achievements of the city of Beijing four years ago.
The opening ceremony is often the most memorable event on the Olympic calendar, and four years ago, the Beijing Olympics took the opening ceremony to another level, creating arguably the most jaw-dropping show of all time. This has put so much pressure on London as it plans to top what Beijing did in 2008.
Handling the events of the opening day are Oscar-winning director, Danny Boyle, and Oscar-nominated director, Stephen Daldry. They are directing the largest-ever live show in London, with nearly a billion people watching, when TV audience is considered.
According to officials of the Local Organising Committee, the opening ceremony’s main theme will be called “Isle of Wonder,” which the committee said was inspired by The Tempest and is about a land recovering from its industrial legacy.
“The ceremony itself will begin with the ringing of the world’s largest harmonically tuned bell. At 27 tons, this bell was created at London’s Whitechapel Bell Foundry, which was also where Big Ben was made” Boyle said.
Also set to make marquee appearances are such personalities as Agent 007, better known as James Bond, and footballer David Beckham, among other stars from Britain. According to the official programme for the opening ceremony, “Bond will appear first in a short film created by the BBC, called The Arrival.
“In this film, Daniel Craig will depict Bond being knighted at Buckingham Palace. The action will then move to Olympic Stadium where Craig, or a look-alike stuntman, will either parachute down or ride a rope ladder attached to a helicopter into the stadium, to bring in the Olympic torch.
“With the torch lit, the attention will then shift to the opening scene. Called “Green and Pleasant,” this scene will be set in a meadow that includes such famous landmarks as Glastonbury Tor. Animal lovers should make a point to watch this part of the ceremony as it will include real farm animals such as horses, sheep, ducks, geese and cows.”
Another star billed to thrill the world audience is former Beetle, Paul McCartney, who is expected to end the show with a three-song performance featuring his songs, with 50 dancers performing in Sgt. Pepper style costumes.
Then the familiar parade of athletes will take place. Every country will come by in alphabetical order with the exception of Greece, which goes first, and the host country, Great Britain, which will enter last.
Speeches will then be given by two important people. The first will be given by the head of London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Sebastian Coe. The second will be given by the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge.
Finally, Queen Elizabeth will declare the Olympics opened. The torch will be lit, signifying the beginning of the XXX Olympiad. The ceremony will end with a spectacular fireworks show and attention will then shift to the first official day of competition tomorrow.
Team Nigeria will be led during the march past by wrestler Boltic Sinivie, who was picked to replace weightlifter Maryam Usman. The team will be in white attires sprinkled with green, which make up the national colours.
Nigeria is presenting a 116-man contingent comprising 55 athletes, 12 coaches, 29 administrative officials and nine medical personnel, and would take part in eight sports. The eight sports are athletics, basketball, boxing canoeing, table tennis, taekwondo, weightlifting and wrestling.