19. The Parade of Athletes
With placard holders leading the delegations in the Parade of Athletes, the Greek team is the first to enter the Stadium, and the Chinese team is the last to enter.
19.1 A starry track replaces the usual lines in the fields. Tonight, the athletes are the most important guests and the most attractive stars.
19.2 The placard holders' uniforms maintain the features of the traditional Chinese Qipao (mandarin gown).
19.3 The placard is designed as a Chinese painting scroll, corresponding to the preceding artistic performance.
19.4 The Greek team walks on the canvas, leaving colorful footprints.
Over 10,000 athletes from around the world will leave their footprints on this piece of canvas to form a beautiful addition to the painting left by artistic performers.
19.5 With the footprints of more than 10,000 athletes, the canvas becomes the Protocol Platform. It is the most unique design of the Ceremony, providing a subtle transition from the artistic performance to the parade of athletes.
20. Speeches by the President of BOCOG and the President of the IOC
The President of BOCOG, Liu Qi, and the President of the IOC, Jacques Rogge, walk to the Protocol Platform.
Liu Qi
Born on November 3, 1942, Liu Qi was Mayor of Beijing Municipality and President of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Bidding Committee in 1999. He became President of BOCOG in December 2001. Since 2002, he has also served as a member of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau and Secretary of the CPC of Beijing Municipality.
Jacques Rogge
Jacques Rogge, Belgian, born on May 2, 1942, was elected President of the European Olympic Committee in 1989, IOC member in 1991 and member of the IOC Executive Board in 1998. In July 2001, he became the eighth President of the International Olympic Committee.
21. Declaration of the Opening by the President of China
President Hu Jintao of the People's Republic of China declares the start of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
22. Olympic Flag Entry
22.1 Eight flag bearers represent China's Olympic history.
The uniform of the eight flag bearers was designed by a female college student who is only 18 years old.
23. Raising the Olympic Flag and Playing the Olympic Anthem
A multinational chorus of 80 children sings the Olympic Anthem in Greek. They spent 45 days in learning the song.
24. Athlete's Oath and Official's Oath
An athlete and a judge take the Olympic oath on behalf of all competitors and officials, respectively.
24.1 The Athletes' oath taker holds the corner of the Olympic flag with the left hand and, raising the right hand, pronounces the Competitors' oath on behalf of all the athletes.
Athletes' Oath
"In the name of all the competitors I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, committing ourselves to a sport without doping and without drugs, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honor of our teams."
24.2 The officials' oath taker holds the corner of the Olympic flag with the left hand and, raising the right hand, cites the Officials' Oath on behalf of all the officials.
Officials' Oath
"In the name of all the judges and officials, I promise that we shall officiate in these Olympic Games with complete impartiality, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, in the true spirit of sportsmanship."
25. Dove Release
A hundred young women lead the athletes and spectators to mimic the movement of doves.
25.1 On the Protocol Platform, singers perform the song created specially for this segment.
25.2 Behind the singers, 50 young women dance to the music, crossing their arms and waving their hands, just like flying doves. Another 50 young women do the same on the tracks.
