The 2024 edition of the Olympic Games officially rolls into action this evening in Paris, France, with organisers arranging a unique ceremony full of activities happening for the first time ever.
Representing Malawi at the Games are swimmers Tayamika Chayang’anamuno and Filipe Gomes, and sprinter Asimenye Simwaka.
Brave Lifa has travelled as coach for Gomes and Chayang’anamuno, with Pachisi Nyasulu making the trip in his capacity as Simwaka’s mentor.
According to the global competition’s website, it will be for the first time in the history of the Olympic Summer Games that the opening ceremony will not take place inside a stadium.
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The ceremony has been taken to the heart of the French capital and will be held along its main artery, River Seine, with athletes for each national delegation being paraded on boats.
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“The boats will be equipped with cameras to allow television and online viewers to see the athletes up close. Winding their way from east to west, the 10,500 athletes will cross through the centre of Paris, the overall playing field for the Games on which these competitors will display their sporting prowess over the next 16 days.
“The parade will come to the end of its 6-kilometre route in front of the Trocadéro, where the remaining elements of Olympic protocol and final shows will take place. A ceremony open to as many people as possible is a first. Eighty giant screens and strategically placed speakers will allow everyone to enjoy the magical atmosphere of this show reverberating throughout the French capital,” a report on the website reads.
It also states that the opening ceremony will be the largest in the Games’ history.
“It will be open to all: residents from Paris and its region, as well as visitors from all over France and around the world. Athletes will be the heart and soul of the ceremony. By opening with the parade of athletes, Paris 2024 is breaking with tradition.
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“Athletes will be featured on stage during the introduction to and throughout the ceremony as part of Paris 2024’s constant aim to hold Games created for and by athletes,” the report reads.
The Games’ sporting action started on Wednesday with 206 countries sending their representatives.
Malawi National Council of Sports Communications and Public Relations Officer Edgar Ntulumbwa said they wish Team Malawi well.
“We wish our athletes all the best and we believe they will put up impressive performances and make Malawi proud,” Ntulumbwa said.
Chayang’anamuno said she is excited to compete at the Games for the first time.
“I am very excited to at this great competition for the first time. My training for this competition has been progressing very well and I know that it will be possible to drop my finishing time and possibly break our national record,” she said.
About 120 heads of state, sovereigns and heads of government are expected to attend the opening ceremony.
Some 160 boats are set to conduct an open-air parade with 94 carrying athletes.
The ceremony is also expected to attract a big crowd with 326,000 tickets on sale or earmarked for distribution.
