I'm sure some people can still reminisce what they were doing when it was announced 8 years ago, that London had won the bid to host the Olympic Games of 2012. I must admit, at the time I didn't really pay much attention. Eight years seemed such a long way off at the time, and although I knew it would be a positive experience for London, and the world, I had no idea what the future was to bring us.
I had the honour of being able to attend the Olympics Opening Ceremony Dress Rehearsal. Prior to that, I had also received a tour of the Olympics park, which was still closed to the public, at the time. All I can say at this moment in time with regards to the Olympics Opening Ceremony, is WOW. It may not be the most comprehensive English to use, and is not a term most journalists would use, however, there really is no better word to describe what I just witnessed.
I did take a pledge of #SaveTheSurprise and so at this point, you will see no pictures or video from the event, but one. I will add the colourful media in AFTER the Opening Ceremony!
The show captures the essence of the imagination to it's fullest potential. Except for the national anthem, there really is nothing predictable about this show at all. It brings out every emotion, it caters to every taste, it caters to every race, and it really is an event for EVERYONE. Danny Boyle has worked wonders creating this artistic and captivating masterpiece. Whoever is assuming the ceremony is all about an english country garden, and some farm animals, will certainly be startled and quite possible amazed by the events that unfold right before your eyes.
The Olympic Park is also an amazing development, which that area of London was definitely in need of. There's a new shopping mall, and outside dining plaza, right on the door step to the park. The media centers are all in place, being eco-friendly with the re-use of painted shipping containers. In fact the whole park has an eco-friendly atmosphere, with even the parks main sponsors - Coca Cola, and McDonalds - becoming involved by promoting recycling of any waste at the park, and pledging to create new materials out of any waste generated.
The sporting arenas really do look incredible and should more than impress any athlete who enters them.
I am not here to promote the Olympics. I was actually quite ready to be disappointed by them (which is really not a good sign!), however, before The Games, have even begun, the whole place has really captured my heart and my spirit, so I can only imagine what it must mean for some of the athletes who have travelled from all over the world to be a part of this.
If you find time over the next two weeks, to spend a morning or afternoon witnessing the magnitude of the Olympics, I would encourage you to check out some of the sites for yourself. After all, the Olympics is not just about rewarding record breaking athletes, it is also here to demonstrate that London really is one of the best cities in the world - even on the rainy days.
We hope to see some of you at the park!!
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Words: Emily Smith
Rememba Entertainment
Picture owned by copyright of Rememba Entertainment. All rights reserved. 2012
