Archery at heart of opening ceremony

An Arrow in the 10 started the Opening Ceremony of the 1st Youth Olympic Games. Singapore has opened these inaugural Games with a spectacular ceremony.   The athletes were at the heart of the ceremony and could attend the entire show. This together with an oath of the coaches were some of the innovations in this exciting ceremony. The weather gods must reside on Olympia since heavy clouds were in the sky for this opening ceremony in open air. The cauldron was lit at the end of the ceremony and is floating in the marina as a light beacon for the harbour.   Two archers were flag bearers for their country at the inaugural Games: Vasil SHARNAZARYAN (ARM) and Aug GYI (MYA) - photo below.     The IOC President Jacques ROGGE made the following statement: “You will learn the difference between winning and being a champion. To win, you merely have to cross the finish line first. To be a champion, you have to inspire admiration for your character, as well as for your physical talent. You have to compete in spirit of fair play, respecting your opponents and the rules — without doping or any other unfair advantage. If you can reach that pinnacle, if you are ready to serve as role models for your generation, you will all be champions, irrespective of your rankings”.   To note, Wietse VAN ALTEN, World Archery’s role model was one of the torchbearers the day before the opening ceremony. FITA is very proud to have one of its best athletes having run with the torch.   FITA congratulates the IOC and the SYOGOC for their excellent start and looks forward to an exciting archery competition.   Tom DIELEN FITA Secretary General    Photo (C) IOC Kishimoto: GYI (MYA) and SHAHNAZARYAN (ARM)  
Competitions