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As the sun facing the lakeside Eaves of Tianfu descended towards the horizon, while illuminating Chengdu’s futuristic skyline with its golden glow, it set the tone for one of the most memorable nights in The World Games history.
LIGHTING THE CAULDRON One that culminated in the lighting of the first-ever World Games cauldron on the calm waters of the Qinhuang lake in spectacular fashion. Chinese waterskiers Xu Lu and Alu Xiaobo put on a show as they glided across the water behind powerboats, carrying the torches passed to them by snooker player Ding Junhui and Olympic and TWG trampoline champion Dong Dong. Spectators roared as Xu and Alu lit the cauldron which created a dramatic interplay of fire and water, with flames blazing atop a water fountain.
FIRE AND WATER According to Hu Xiao, the general director of the Opening Ceremony, "If fire and water can coexist in harmony, then all conflicts in the world can be reconciled," he told Xinhua.
It was against such a picturesque backdrop - with a perfect blend of nature and technology - that the 12th edition of the World Games in Chengdu was declared open by Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin on Thursday, 7 August.
ENJOY THE MOMENT In a video message, IOC President Kirsty Coventry told the participants of The World Games that in their “dedication, passion and pursuit of excellence”, they should never forget that “sport is also about joy”. She enjoined all athletes to “give it your best, enjoy the moment and make these a memorable and successful Games - for you, for the fans and for the organizers.” Coventry commended the International World Games Association (IWGA) for promoting “an athlete-focused sporting platform” and contributing to the broader Olympic movement. And she also praised the hosts for their “professionalism and hospitality” as well as “seamless organization and legendary Chinese efficiency”.
GRATITUDE TO CHENGDU IWGA President, in his speech, praised Chengdu, saying: “Thank you for your vision, your tireless efforts, and your deep belief in the values that The World Games stand for. Chengdu, you are not just the host - you are the heart of these Games,” Perurena said.
Chengdu will be Perurena’s final Games as the overseeing president having been in the position for 11 years. “This will be my final edition of The World Games as President. I cannot imagine a better farewell than to be here in Chengdu, at the center of world sport.”
SIMPLE, SAFE AND SPLENDID Gao Zhidan, president of both the Chengdu World Games Organizing Committee and the Chinese Olympic Committee, said Chengdu is committed to delivering a “simple, safe and splendid” edition of the Games, guided by principles of openness, inclusiveness and cooperation. “We hope that hosting The World Games will effectively drive nationwide fitness initiatives, invigorate the sports industry, boost urban development and enable the benefits of sports development to reach a broader range of people,” Gao said.
ATHLETES' PARADE The event lasted approximately 90 minutes, with 50 minutes dedicated to the Athletes' Parade. While there were no eye-catching outfits on the "runway", the parade featured dance moves and acrobatic displays, to the delight of spectators.
LAVISH FIREWORK DISPLAYS Dance performances - modern and traditional - highlighted sports elements, local urban charm and Sichuan's cultural heritage, while lavish firework displays played a significant role in conveying the message of the Opening Ceremony. When the letter "W" illuminated the sky, it not only represented the emblem of the Games, but also symbolized the "World", expressing a warm welcome to guests from around the globe. There was also a "Tree of Friendship" - inspired by relics from Chengdu's Jinsha Site and the dove tree, a living fossil - gradually unfolded in the night sky, bursting into dove-like blossoms representing peace and friendship. Plus, a seal-script characters for "Chengdu," inspired by a bronze ware over 2,000 years old.
UNDER ONE ROOF The Opening Ceremony also featured the theme song of the World Games "Countless Wonders" performed by 12 young Chinese singers alongside children from the U.S. group OneVoice, Italy's Piccolo Coro dell'Antoniano, Shanghai's Xiuqiuhua (Hydrangea) Choir, the Chengdu City Concert Hall Choir, and the Daliangshan Girls' Choir. "People are under one roof, and children from different parts of the world sing one song against the backdrop of the 'dove tree.' Through this, we aim to convey the wish of 'One World, One Family,'" Hu noted.
The 430-meter-long "Tianfu Roof", which is said to be the largest wooden structure of its kind in Asia, was also illuminated with LED screens displaying the Games' logo and other symbols during the ceremony, while neigbouring buildings were lit up with the symbols of the sports that are featuring in the World Games in Chengdu.
INSPIRED BY PARIS 2024 "Initially, we planned to reuse the stadium used for the Chengdu Universiade Opening Ceremony (in 2023). But after watching the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, we decided to craft something new," Hu recalled. "The current location is really ideal."
The Chengdu World Games has welcomed 6,679 athletes and officials from 115 countries and regions. Until 17 August, nearly 4,000 athletes will compete for medals in 60 disciplines across 34 sports.
Chibuogwu Nnadiegbulam - AIPS Media Photo: Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai
