BEIJING (BP)--More than 91,000 people watched the long-awaited and elaborately produced opening ceremony to start the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing Aug. 8 at the "Bird's Nest" National Stadium. The four-hour ceremony celebrated the cultural history of China and featured thousands of performers, intricate choreography and dazzling light displays. More than 15,000 costumes were used in the production.
Rehearsal for some performances began 13 months ago, and volunteers began their first mass rehearsal in March. Following the production, the ceremony featured the traditional parade of athletes from 205 countries, brief addresses from Liu Qiu, president of the Beijing Olympic Games Organizing Committee, and Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee, and the declaration of the official opening of the Olympics by Hu Jintao, president of the People's Republic of China. The ceremony concluded with the entry of the Olympic flag, an oath by the athletes to abide by the rules "in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honor of our teams" and the lighting of the Olympic torch. The torch relay began April 1 and crossed five continents and 21 countries, with more than 2,000 people bearing the flame. "This is a very special season," Beijing resident Tan Yu Huai said prior to the ceremony. "Right now it is a very special Beijing. Right now it is the greatest time in China." Philadelphia resident Nancy Whelan and her sister, Mary Ann Whelan of New York, were decked out in red, white and blue to cheer for the United States during the ceremony. They began planning their trip to the Beijing Olympics two years ago, but the trip was in jeopardy when Mary Ann broke her leg in six places at the end of June. But Mary Ann got approval from her doctor only one week ago for the journey. "We're just ... thrilled to be here," Nancy said. Mark Tedder, an American, lives in Beijing and won a ticket for the opening ceremony in an online ticketing lottery about a year ago. "I think everybody in Beijing's excited," Tedder said. "Here in the city there's been a buzz. It's been exciting over the last two years to see how the city's grown and to see how they've built new buildings for the Olympics." Read More
Hamas leader's son declares faith in Christ NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--The son of a prominent leader in the Hamas terrorist organization has publicly declared his faith in Jesus Christ and warned that Israel can never be at peace with the "wicked and cruel" men who lead Hamas.
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BEIJING (BP)--Sacrifice is a way of life for most Olympic athletes. They endure grueling training regimens and spend countless hours practicing to become the best in their sport. U.S. cyclist Amber Neben is no exception.
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BEIJING (BP)--Jane Rumball may look like she's only rowing when she steps into the boat with her Canadian teammates to compete in the Beijing Olympics.
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