China's Grand Opening

At 8pm on the 8th day, of the 8th month, in the year 2008, 4 billion viewers across the world stood still to watch China’s brilliant fire works dominate global vision. The time and date for the glorious opening of the Beijing Olympics were chosen by design; for the Chinese believe that eight is the number for good fortunes.

Amidst pockets of protest by environmental and human rights Ngos across Beijing, negative press from the West and threats by world leaders to boycott the Olympics, the Birds nest stadium was filled to capacity with Beijingers and foreigners spilling into open air arenas with live screens provided by the government. Bars and restaurants across the state capital were also fully subscribed with patrons who were anxious to watch the ceremony not at home, but in groups.

The opening ceremony began to precision at the stroke of eight with a digital human countdown performed by 2008 illuminated drumming dancers overseen by China’s prominent filmmaker Zhang Yimou. An estimated two thirds of the world’s population watched China’s pulsating performance for four unblinking hours as they took the audience on a tapestry of colour, culture and history woven into a 5000-year-old civilization, inventions, foreign relations, martial discipline and matchless numbers poised for world domination.

China’s fingerprint is in nearly home across the world through the ancient inventions of paper, compass, gunpowder and printing and modern necessities and consumables. Yet today, China opens its doors for the world to taste its spices and share in theirs.
At 34degrees Celsius, and the heat heightened by the stadiums myriad lights and fireworks, many of the spectators and world leaders were forced to remove their jackets and prepare themselves for the display that awaited them. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and French President Nicolas Sarkozy and U. S President George W. Bush were some of the leaders present. In spite of Nigeria’s close ties with the Chinese government, President Umaru Yaradua was missed at the grand opening, as was his Vice President Jonathan Goodluck. However, the Nigerian contingency proudly strode into the stadium in their white regalia and green headgear proudly bearing the Nigerian flag and representing their country.

As host country, China strode in last with an endless number in the contingency regaled in gold, red and white suits and led by their flag bearer NBA player Yao Ming; China’s most internationally famous citizen. Chinese citizens pumped their fists into the air in unison and palpable pride as they cried “Zhongguo, Jiayou!” at the ceremony’s unquestionable success.

Nothing about the opening ceremony was less than spectacular, yet the lighting of the torch seemed to be a kaleidoscope into China’s promising future. Li Ning, China’s legendary gymnast and multi Olympic gold medallist held the final torch gliding through the air about the stadiums rim as historic moments of the Olympic games scrolled open behind him. And in what appeared to be a moment of quiet contemplation, he lit the Olympic torch to thunderous applause from over 90, 000 spectators at the stadium and over 30, 000 fireworks. The message was clear, our sages lead this country, and by their wisdom, the country stands, walks, jumps and now, flies.


Words: Ebun Olatoye

Photos: Ty Bello