OPENING CEREMONY OF THE OLYMPICS 2012 IN LONDON

     OPENING CEREMONY OF THE OLYMPICS 2012
                    
                    


      On Friday, 27th of July billions of people from all over the world watched the opening ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Gr.Britain. It was a special night signed by the Oscar awarded director Danny Boyle and it was titled "Isles of Wonder".

Some of the most famous Brits took part in the ceremony. To name a few: 

David Bekam who brought the Olympic flame to the stadium crossing the Thames river in a speed boat ...

Daniel Kreg (James Bond) and the Queen herself played in a short film (that was awesome)

Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean) had a little funny sketch, ...


















Paul McCartney sang a couple of songs ...

     
      









     

     


       
          It was a spectacular show. Nevertheless, according to my opinion, it remained simply a show, nothing more nothing less. Perhaps, I was expecting more! Its aspiration to portray the British character, the history of the country and its contribution to the world failed as far as I'm concerned. We only saw the transition from the agricultural era to the great industrial revolution where, yes, they were the pioneers, we saw their contribution to the world literature and music industry,  we saw their great national health care system,OK, and that they were the birthplace of the world wide web. All very admirable and well orchestrated and organised in the show. But really, are there not a lot more to the British Isles than what they picked to show us?  Maybe something that would show and pass on the Olympic spirit based on their history and achievements? A bold vision of the young for the future?

      I think the particular ceremony didn't do justice to what Great Britain is all about nor did it do justice to the Olympic spirit of the games. 

      Another comment I would like to make is about Jacques Rogge's ( International Olympic Committee President ) statement which he made during his speech at the opening ceremony:
“In a sense, the Olympic Games are coming home tonight,” he said. “This great sports-loving country is widely recognized as the birthplace of modern sport.”

WHAT?! Was he using a copy of his speech in the Opening Ceremony for the Athens, Greece 2004 Olympic Games?!!!  People across the world are well aware that this unique celebration of sport and civilization started out in Greece nearly 3,000 years ago. Such a mistake is unacceptable and historically ignorant, if not provocative. He should retract that comment and apologise for the "blunder".

Despite the undisputed fact that the Olympics were born in Greece
they belong to all humanity and athletes from all over the world come to compete with their fellow athletes to decide who is best. They compete as equals, with equal opportunities and obligations.

I wish the thousands of athletes from all over the world to compete in honor, to enjoy it, and to make their dream come true and bring home the supreme distinction, the Olympic medal. Good luck!