7 Pomp and ceremony

Chapter 7 Pomp and ceremony The opening ceremony at the Olympic Games is like a giant carnival.

After a huge parade of athletes, there are amazing displays of music, lights, dance and fireworks.

After singing the Olympic hymn, the Olympic flag is raised. De Coubertin designed the flag with five rings. The rings represent the continents of the world- Africa, America, Asia, Australasia and Europe- joined in peace and harmony.

Months before the Games begin, a flame is lit in Olympia and passed by a relay of torches by foot, air, road, rail or water*. Finally, a runner brings the last torch into the stadium at the opening ceremony and lights a cauldron. A flame was kept burning throughout the ancient Games, too.