The Opening Ceremony. It’s the start of it all; the Games have officially been launched. The next two weeks represent the pursuit of excellence in both sport and art. You can often see words of inspiration associated with the Games. The phrase ‘Compete. Contribute. Celebrate.’ was one that appeared in the ceremony program. The games are not only about sport, they build so much more than that on both the community level, and the national level. Canadian culture can be found in so many aspects of the games, and it is showcased in all its diversity. The power of sport is limitless.
The Halifax Metro Centre was arranged to perfection. Images of the province and of the people attending were projected onto screens which resembled the schooner sails of the legendary Bluenose, and the crowd was illuminated as they waved optic fibre red lights.
The teams walked into the centre accompanied by the music of cheering fans. You could see their bright smiling faces on the big screen displays as the cameras captured their excitement (not to mention the display of some pretty cool outfits). By the time over 2000 athletes made their way into their seats, the excitement in the building was growing immensely.
For full details on the ceremony be sure to check out the Canada Games press release.
Many athletes touched the symbolic Canada Games flag as it travelled like a wave across the arena before being raised and suspended in the air at the top of the building. Oaths were pledged by representatives from groups of coaches, officials, and athletes, with our own Ringette competitor Brittany Avery making the athlete pledge. After hearing her new song performed the night before, the much anticipated repeat performance of Supersonic by Chantal Kreviazuk was loved by all. The song’s stuck in my head, but I’m happy it is until I can hear it again.
The opening game featuring Nova Scotia and New Brunswick is face passed and exciting. Setting the stage for what is going to be a great event!
Don’t miss any of the action – watch all ringette games live via webcast: http://canadagames.bellaliant.net/live.php?y=2011&m=02&d=12
- Emily
