The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games opening ceremony was a delight for the senses. Check out what some Canadian athletes, politicians and future Olympic organizers had to say about the extravaganza at the "Bird's Nest."
Adam van Koeverden (canoe/kayak, Oakville, Ont.), Canada's flag bearer for the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games:
"It was amazing. I could go through every adjective I know: amazing, incredible, exciting, awesome -- it still doesn't do it justice. The best part about it was walking along and looking up in the stands and seeing maple leaves. Canadians in red standing up and then Chinese in red standing up and waving Canadian flags. So many maple leaves, I felt like I was walking into the stadium in Toronto."
Leslie Thompson-Willie (rowing, London, Ont.), sixth time marching in an opening ceremony:
"It's always thrilling...to see all the volunteers is amazing. It is a feeling of being so welcome. Walking in singing "O Canada" was a first for me."
Isabelle Rampling (synchronized swimming, Burlington, Ont.):
"The energy was extraordinary as we walked into the stadium. The dancing, the music and all the Canadian flags gave me goose bumps. I was not expecting something like this."
Marie-Pierre Gagn锟� (synchronized swimming, Montreal, Que.):
"I don't know if it was the excitement but we felt the heat as we walked into the stadium. The volunteers and the crowd were so welcoming."
Mike Saunders (baseball, Victoria, B.C):
"There are no words to describe it. I expected a lot but this exceeded my dreams."
Alison Bradley (softball, Pinkerton, Ont.):
"The coolest part was hearing everyone in the tunnel singing O Canada I had chills as I walked into the stadium."
David Emerson, minister of foreign affairs:
"What a proud night for China and for all Canadians as we get ready to be the next host and share that same stage of honour. Bravo, Beijing, on a night of memories for everyone here and watching at home. You have shown the world what can be done to celebrate the spirit of friendship and fair play."
Gordon Campbell, premier of British Columbia:
"A mesmerizing show where everyone was filled with the sense of the possible. It touched the senses with light and sound, born of a rich cultural history. This was China's invitation to the world. The precision and dedication of all the artists was inspiring. It reminded us all of what the Olympic Movement is about!"
"It was a proud moment for everyone to see Canada's Olympic team enter the stadium and to see the Olympic Cauldron burn bright. It reminds us that the next time our Olympic athletes take part in the Opening Ceremony, and the next time the drama of the Olympic Cauldron lighting stirs everyone's hearts as it did tonight, it will be at home in 2010."
Jack Poole, Chairman, VANOC board of directors:
"What an incredible night for China and for the Olympic Movement. I felt honored to be here and to witness what will unquestionably be one of the most memorable ceremonies in the Olympic history books."
"Congratulations to the Organizing Committee and the people of China for truly showing the world one world and one dream."
John Furlong, VANOC chief executive officer:
"It felt like the world caught its breath tonight even if only for an instant -- but for long enough to remind us all of how good we can be when we celebrate our common humanity. The stadium was filled with joy -- hope and inspiration . . . pride and peace."
"China dazzled us all on 8-08-2008 with the art of what is possible, and they did it with passion, humility and creative genius. It was such a privilege to witness this. I will never forget tonight."
"The elements were as magical as they were technological -- as moving as they were inspired -- and they were daring. There will be talk about this for generations."
"Seven years ago, in Moscow, China spoke about bringing sport and Olympic values to the lives of 400 million Chinese children. Tonight was their night."
David Guscott, VANOC executive vice president, celebrations and partnerships:
"Tonight was clearly China's spectacularly dramatic coming-out party. It was like a magic show -- as soon as you thought you'd seen everything --there was something even more spectacular!"
"The most memorable moment was the history of China literally unfolding on an ancient scroll painting. The lit costumes were a personal favourite. And I was most impressed by the spectacular ending -- the highest tech of a globe, appearing out of the floor with anti-gravity dancers surrounded simply by thousands of beautiful faces of children of the world painted on umbrellas that magically opened at once."
"All told, it was a wonderful blend of technology, passion and drama."
