They are the stars of the future, and the athletes competing at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival (AYOF) were treated to a spectacle fit for Olympians at the Opening Ceremony at Sydney Entertainment Centre.

With Olympians Matthew Mitcham, Murray Stewart and Sara Carrigan looking on, more than 1600 athletes celebrated the opening of the AYOF.

Filled with medleys of songs, the Opening Ceremony featured 1100 young performers dancing and singing their way through songs from One Direction and Miley Cyrus, to classic Australian songs such as 'Great Southern Land' by Icehouse.

In keeping with the Olympic tradition, the crowd were treated to flag bearers' march, the taking of the athlete and officials' oath and the lighting of the cauldron.

The biggest cheer of the night was reserved for the athlete's parade. With 2016 Olympics hosts Brazil out first, the final group were the 650 Australian officials and athletes as they walked on stage to John Farnham's classic 'You're the Voice'.

Guest speaker Olympian Jessica Fox told the crowd the AYOF was an opportunity and an honour for the athletes to represent their country against some of the best in the world.

Fox, a silver medallist in the canoe kayak at the London 2012 Olympics, competed at the 2009 Youth Olympics.

"This is the event which started my journey to the Olympic Games. This is the event which opened my eyed to the possibilities of progressing in my sport," Fox said.

"Tonight you marched behind your national flag and that is the highest honor any athlete can strive for- and you have achieved that already."

Reading a message from International Committee President Dr Jacques Rogge, Australian Olympic Committee President John Coates highlights the friendships forged at the AYOF.

"In the coming days you will compete against and make friends with athletes from all over Australia and 30 countries around the world who share the same passion about your sport as you do," Coates said.

"In addition to giving the very best of yourselves on the field of play, you will also share unforgettable moments off the field of play."

The opening of the festival also looked towards the future. An appearance by Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympics Chef de Mission Susie O'Neill begun a tribute to next year's host.

The Olympic colours and spirit were also reflected by the performers as they showcased their singing, dancing and acrobatic skills in the ceremony, organised by the NSW Department of Education Communication and Arts Unit.

Finishing with a glow light spectacular to LMFAO's 'Party Rock Anthem', the 2013 AYOF Opening Ceremony set the scene for an exciting festival.

Photos from the Opening Ceremony can be seen here>>>

Annie Kearney
Olympics.com.au

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