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August 13, 2004
Olympic Greetings from Captain Euro!
Bonjour from Athens, the birthplace of European Civilization! Yes, it is I, Captain Euro, and I am here to see that celebration of togetherness, Les Olympiques! I will periodically bring you updates on some of the most exciting events on the schedule, such as Team Handball (can the French women win the gold?) Synchronized Swimming (can the French women win the gold?) and, of course, Soccer (can the French women win the gold?)
It was my intention to bring you a report of the opening ceremonies, but alas, the ceremonies have been closed to the public due to security concerns. I do have a preliminary schedule for the event, to be held in front of 80,000 security personnel in the brand-new Olympic Stadium, built under Greece's new "Just-In-Time" construction policy.
One highlight, as always, will be the Playing of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, an Olympic tradition. There will be traditional Greek dancing and music as well, though they have rejected my call to have traditional Greek musicians play Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. For the children of the security personnel, there will be the amusing antics of Athens Olympic mascots Phevos and Athena, assuming that the organizers can find someone willing to wear the costumes. The Olympic torch will be lit by security personnel using anti-riot flamethrowers.
Then there will be the march of the athletes. Traditionally, the Greek team marches at the front of the parade, but as the host team they will instead march last. It's all very exciting waiting to see who will march first! And, of course, there will be the traditional Booing of the Americans. The 80,000 security personnel have been practicing very hard for this part, and they think they have some new booing that will surprise even the French.
Then, what I always consider the most thrilling event of the entire Olympics, the athletes' oath:
On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Olympic Regulations;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
The excitement continues with the speeches by the organizers and IOC President Rogge. I could listen to that man talk all day! Finally, the event will dwindle out.
Au Revoir for now!
Posted by Mac Thomason at August 13, 2004 08:23 AM
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Comments
And the surprise event of the Opening Ceremonies will undoubtedly be the unveiling of the Elgin Marbles, secretly transported back to Greece by French commandos after their sub rosa liberation from the British Museum.
Posted by: Linkmeister at August 13, 2004 03:23 PM
You're apparently not THAT far off, from some of the pictures I've seen. They have a Greek-statuary parade of "heroes of antiquity" that may be the gayest thing I've ever seen.
Posted by: Mac Thomason at August 13, 2004 05:09 PM
I felt pretty sorry for Sylvia Poggiole (or however she spells her name) trying to describe it for NPR. If nothing else, it's gotta be a little frustrating to try to paint a word picture of something 4 billion people are going to see on TV. (It's delayed till 1800 here, btw).
Posted by: Linkmeister at August 13, 2004 05:50 PM
Here too. I just saw some still pictures. I usually watch the parade, but that's about it.
Posted by: Mac Thomason at August 13, 2004 05:54 PM