SPORTS
Splendid opening ceremony raises curtain on Games
Baku, February 4, AZERTAC
The Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games opening ceremony began at the National Stadium in Beijing on Friday. The program is divided into 15 segments, including the parade of athletes and the lighting of the Olympic cauldron, according to china daily.com.cn.
A pre-show presented by square dancers aged from five to over 70 years old was held prior to the opening ceremony.
The "Square Dance" is a creation of ordinary Chinese people and has become very popular. On public squares in large cities or small towns, people spontaneously gather together to joyfully sing and dance in their off-time.
This choreographed performance showcased the passion of the Chinese people in welcoming the Olympic Winter Games.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach expressed his gratitude toward China for making these Olympic Winter Games happen amid the pandemic.
"Unfortunately, the global pandemic is still a reality for all of us. Therefore, our gratitude is even deeper for the Beijing 2022 Organizing Committee, the public authorities and all the Chinese people. Thank you for making these Olympic Winter Games happen - and making them happen in a safe way for everyone," said Bach.