2006 Olympics In Torino Opening Ceremony Photo Journalist Report from Families Online Magazine

2006 Olympics in Torino - a Photo Journalist Report

Opening Ceremonies

The lines to get into the Opening Ceremonies were long. We were advised to arrive by 5PM for an 8PM show. Security was tight, but efficient, with many entrance lines available. The Olympic plaza was a buzz with spectators. Souvenirs of Olympic pins and Opening Ceremony tee-shirts sold out quickly. Italian Olympic volunteers welcomed visitors from through-out the world and helped them find their seats.

Pre-Show

The pre-show began at 7PM, featuring the Olympic mascots, local celebrities and music. All in attendance were provided with Passion Lives Here Kits which included a cow bell (for making noise), a flashlight, a white poncho and seat pad. Attendees were asked to wear the white poncho so that they could be part of the show. Spectators rehearsed creating an Olympic wave, ringing cow bells and shining flashlights to help choreograph the event.

Let the Ceremonies Begin

The opening hammer on anvil rang out, the Italian national anthem was lead by a young girl arising from the stage floor as she sang and the Italian , Greek and Olympic flags were raised. The Passion began with a dazzling display of dance and fire. The crowd cheered and began the Olympic wave.

Let the Show Go On

The show was a fantastic display of Italian traditional opera to modern acrobats moving the Olympic rings into place and creating a peace dove. The crowd's favorite was a skier made of people in various colored clothing that actually "skied" across the stage.

Parade of Athletes .

A Tradition the Greeks Lead Canadian Team

Great Britain Team Italian Team

USA Team All Nations Teams on Stage

The Torch Arrives

From it's arrival to the parade around the stadium and lighting of the flame all in attendance were on their feet, applauding, welcoming the 2006 Olympics to Torino.

Surprise Ending

First there was Oko Ono and her message of peace from John Lennon and then there was Pavarati! A delighted crowd cheered them on.

Fireworks closed the show to thunderous applause.

Comment Script

Comments


Name

E-mail (Will not appear online)

Homepage

Title

Comment


To prevent automated Bots form spamming, please enter the text you see in the image below in the appropriate input box. Your comment will only be submitted if the strings match. Please ensure that your browser supports and accepts cookies, or your comment cannot be verified correctly.