RIO 2016: The Australian Olympic Team has been officially welcomed into the Athletes’ Village.
Australia shared the Rio 2016 Team Welcome Ceremony with fellow Oceania nations Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu. It’s the same group of nations the athletes share building 23 with in the Athletes’ Village.
It was a sea of green and white striped blazers as the Australian Team assembled in the International Zone of the Village, straight from attending an INSPIRE session with motivating speeches from Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and Chef de Mission Kitty Chiller.
The ceremony began with a vibrant Brazilian dance. The men and women wore brown and white patterned tights with green leafy jumpers – symbolising the beautiful rainforests and jungles synonymous with Brazil.
The dancing was high energy. They crouched and sprang; they shimmied and shook to traditional Brazilian music.
The Team stood in a semi-circle around the and watched; united.
There was a small stage for a Rio 2016 official who addressed the crowd on behalf of the Olympic Village Mayor.
“We know how hard you have practised after hour and hours of dedicated training. After all the struggles and sacrifices you’ve made your dream has come true. You have arrived at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
“On behalf of the people of Brazil I would like to welcome you all.
“We love sports and you have our support. We hope that you have unforgettable moments with us.
“For the next few weeks, athletes from 207 delegations from different background, countries and cultures will dedicate and call the Olympic Village home.
“You know how powerful sport is and how it can bring people together, therefore fair play is the most important tool in our lives.”
The Olympic anthem played as the white Olympic flag bearing the five coloured rings rose high.
Chef de Mission of the Australian Olympic Team Kitty Chiller was first on stage presenting the Village Mayor with a gift as the Australian anthem played.
The athletes sang as they watched the Australian flag as it was hoisted into the sky.
Chiller then signed the Olympic Truce Mural – a wall dedicated to the signatures of athletes, officials and volunteers supporting peace.
Following the anthems and flag raising of the other nations came a burst of colour and song – again from the dance troupe.
Dressed in brightly coloured t-shirts, the dancers were a kaleidoscope of colour – fuchsia, blue, purple, orange, yellow.
They danced, sang and clap encouraging the athletes to join in as the informal, interactive ceremony concluded.
Despite its simplicity, it was filled with energy, enthusiasm and huge smiles.
It marked the start of great stories; our stories.
Australia has arrived.
Sophie Onikul
olympics.com.au
