Sharjah 24 – WAM: The 33rd Summer Olympic Games, hosted in Paris from July 26 to August 11, officially began on the River Seine on Friday. Despite rainy conditions, the 225-minute opening ceremony showcased a range of artistic performances and featured approximately 7,000 athletes.
At the ceremony, UAE’s flag bearers, Omar Al Marzouqi from the equestrian team and Safiya Al Sayegh from the cycling team, led the UAE delegation. They passed by boat on the River Seine, following the Greek delegation, as Greece is the birthplace of the Olympics.
Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee and Head of the UAE delegation, welcomed the team alongside Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, Faris Mohammed Al Mutawa, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee, and Ghanem Mubarak Al Hajri, Director General of the General Sports Authority.
French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the ceremony from Trocadéro Square with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop. The event, attended by IOC President Thomas Bach and other world leaders, transformed Paris into a vast performance arena, stretching 6 km along the River Seine. It drew 600,000 spectators and 200,000 from nearby balconies.
The torch relay featured notable figures like Zinedine Zidane, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Michael Phelps, and Carl Lewis, culminating with the lighting of the Olympic cauldron.
Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi expressed his confidence in the UAE athletes, citing their impressive preparation and dedication. He praised their hard work and commitment, which has been evident throughout their rigorous training and participation in various sports events. Sheikh Rashid commended the cohesive efforts of the sports delegation, highlighting their commitment to representing the UAE with excellence and pride.
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