The stadium, adorned with flags from throughout the world, is packed. On a central arena, thousands of performers present a rich, colorful spectacle to spectators both present and the millions throughout the planet watching it on television. At last, the parade of nations starts, beginning with the Greek delegation and continuing with those of every nation in the world, with that of the host country bringing up the rear. The world watches them, acclaims them, admires them. Then, the mood turns from festive to solemn, to dignified, as of the moment when a Head of State rises and proclaims a single phrase announcing the opening of sports competitions to celebrate a new Olympiad of the modern era. Bearers bring a white flag with five colored rings into the arena to the sound of the Olympic hymn, and it is raised high above the stadium. An athlete and an official take the Olympic oath. The world listens. Suddenly, a runner enters the stadium, holding aloft a torch that was lit by the rays of sun in Olympia, Greece, and then carried by a series of bearers, often for thousands of miles, before reaching what will be its unique home for sixteen days. The flame lights a cauldron that will burn, a visible and striking symbol of the sports competitions, for their entire duration. It will only be at the closing ceremony that this symbolic fire will be extinguished, marking
the end of this, another edition of an event that has moved human hearts and souls for over a century. The world looks on, spellbound as the flame leaps forth, and then settles in to watch the athletes’ exploits over the coming days: to share their joys, their sorrows, their emotions, their triumphs.