The 2007 Australian Youth Olympic Festival opened in fine style on Wednesday night with an all singing, all dancing spectacular involving 1300 children from all across New South Wales.

The show opened with the theme song for the event, ‘Sweet Victory’ which saw a myriad of colours flutter across centre stage at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

All 8000 sets of eyes in the crowd were glued to the theatrics which sent shivers through the spine and caused many over-clapped hands.

Spectacular gymnastic aerial displays, amazing vocalists and talented dancers ranging from the very young to late teens kept the crowd enthralled.

Olympic sailing gold medallist, Tom King, was the Master of Ceremonies for the important formalities of the evening.

Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates encouraged the 1600 athletes involved in this week's Festival to be mates.

"Tonight, the future of Olympic sport from around the globe is on parade before us,” Coates said.

"The aim of this festival is to promote sporting excellence and respect, but the real emphasis is on friendship.

"If you focus on friendship you can create a culture of peace worldwide."

There was also a video message from IOC President Jacques Rogge which summoned a sense of awe from audience, athletes and performers alike.

Athens Olympic gymnast Monette Russo, who starred at the 2003 Festival, spoke of the enormous impact her AYOF experience has had on her career before officially opening the Games.

She is one of the 28 athletes who represented Australia at the Athens 2004 Olympics after competing at the 2001 or 2003 Festivals.

Russo welcomed the athletes warmly while acting as a source of inspiration for the athletes.

“It brings back great memories of being here,” she beamed.

In Athens Russo was unable to attend the Opening Ceremony because she had to compete the following day. However, despite that disappointment, she feels that her involvement in the 2003 AYOF Opening Ceremony compensated in some way.

The procession of competing countries, complete with flag bearers was a crowd pleaser, rising some to their feet in displays of patriotism.

Australian shooter Nicholas Kirley and 14-year-old diving sensation Melissa Wu read the athletes' oath in the form of the Australian Olympic Committee's A.S.P.I.R.E. values.

Australian junior pole vault star Vicky Parnov and cyclist Byron Davis lit the cauldron after several star Australian junior athletes carried the torch through the arena. The full house let out a roar as the cauldron was lit.

Director of the spectacular, Richard Spiewak is exhausted but thrilled to see all of his hard work come together. Spiewak heralded from a teaching past and has since become the production co-ordinator for the Department of Education Arts Department.

The process of developing the Ceremony began back in July 2006 when Spiewak and his team of musical and dancing directors came together with song choices. Public schools from across NSW were approached to audition for the dancing roles, whilst the solo singers, choristers and instrumentalists were all hand picked from the talent crop of the Schools Spectacular.

This is Spiewak’s third time directing the Opening Ceremony of the Youth Olympics which accurately mimics that of the Olympic Games. The performance is a combination of Spiewak’s inspiration and the AYOF’s vision.

The result was a tribute to Australian heritage, Olympic ideals, friendship, Beijing and most importantly the fun, vibrant theme of the AYOF.

“This year really showcased the diversity and talent of our youth”, Spiewak said. “It really is the youth of Australia welcoming the youth of the world.”

Solo vocalist, Tiaan Williams, is an extraordinary talent. Her smoldering tones resonate in the heights of the venue.

“I never get nervous in front of a big audience,” she said.

Rather, she is pumped before a big show, this being her first international performance. However, the young Ellanora Heights local demands attention on the stage, her performance level much beyond her years.

This year’s extravaganza was a tapestry of Australiana themes marrying together the glitz and glamour of a youth performance with the key elements of the Olympic Games. A spectacular and inspiring way to kick off the 2007 Australian Youth Olympic Festival.

Nicky Park
AYOF