Review of the 2008 Olympics Opening Ceremony - Team China's Two Giants - Live Olympic Games Online Updates | Senserely Yours,

Review of the 2008 Olympics Opening Ceremony - Team China's Two Giants - Live Olympic Games Online Updates

The Olympic Stadium, Beijing National Stadium, dubbed “The Birdsnest” because of it’s unusual woven-look architecture, was ablaze with fireworks tonight as the world celebrated the opening of the 2008 Summer Olympics, or Games of the XXIX Olympiad, hosted by China.

Amid worldwide protests about Chinese human rights violations, threats from a Chinese Islamic group and controversy surrounding freedom of the press and internet access in the Olympic Village, the opening ceremonies went off without a hitch.

Starting with beautiful fireworks displays across the city and Chinese drummers pounding on lighted Chinese fou drums choreographed to produced impressive, syncopated show of light, movement and the beat of drums. Followed by a number of musical and dance numbers, the highlight of which would be the lovely soprano, Sarah Brightman’s performance with Chinese singer Liu Huan. The pair sang a duet entitled “You and Me” atop a large globe as performers on wires ran and tumbled around the sides. The entire ceremony incorporated examples of the host country’s art and culture.

With 205 countries participating in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, the parade of athletes seemed endless. The Chinese hosts decided to bring out each nation’s contingent in alphabetical order, according to the Chinese alphabet. Each team was greeted by music and cheers from fans, presidents and princes alike, as they emerged from the tunnels to parade around the stadium.

Decked out in traditional costumes, the African and Carribean teams were the most colorful.

Cameras searched for and found tennis star Roger Federer when the Swiss team made their rounds.

The American team being the largest with some 600 competitors emerged close to the end of the procession. They were wearing Ralph Lauren outfits in coordinated red, white and blue, of course.

The host nation’s team was the last to make their entrance. The Chinese athletes were led by the basketball giant, Yao Ming and a little giant who walked to his right. Yao was accompanied by a young boy who was recognized as a hero for his actions in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck China earlier this year. The 2nd grader, although injured himself, saved many of his classmates before walking 7 hours to his home to check on his family. Still showing a scar on the side of his head, he had recently recovered from his injuries which included a broken arm. Truly TWO giants leading Team China around the Birdsnest!

Li Ning, former Chinese gymnast had the honor of lighting the Olympic Torch as he was raised on wires to the rim of the Beijing National Stadium and “ran” around the stadium to light the huge torch which towered above the stadium which busrt into flame.

Get complete Olympic Shedules and Live Online Updates here at the Official Website of the Beijing Olympics