Summer Universiade (Aug 12): Downing leads Canadians into spectacular opening ceremonies

Photo credit Freestyle Photography

Aug. 12, 2011

SHENZHEN, China (CIS) – The 26th Summer Universiade is now officially underway, as a capacity crowd of just over 25,000 spectators – including Chinese President Hu Jingtao - was on hand Friday night at the breathtaking Shenzhen Bay Sports Center for the opening ceremonies.

Team Canada website: http://english.cis-sic.ca/universiade/summer
2011 Summer Universiade website: http://www.sz2011.org/Universiade

Swimmer Mackenzie Downing, a native of Whitehorse, Yukon, led the Canadian delegation into the open-air arena through the "The Gate of the World", a humongous LED wall towards the "Youth Boulevard", and then onto the field level. Canada is one of 152 countries participating at the second largest multi-sport games in the world, which features over 12,000 athletes and officials.

Downing became the star attraction even before Canada entered the Center, as the vast majority of the Canadian contingent came prepared with cameras and wanted pictures taken with their flag-bearer. The University of Victoria alumna is appearing in her third Universiade games, having won three medals – including gold in the 100-metre butterfly - in her last appearance in 2007 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Canada has sent its largest delegation in Summer Universiade history to Shenzhen, totaling 349 student-athletes, coaches and team officials.

"When we walked into the stadium I just felt this huge swell of pride and emotion, I'm so honoured to have this opportunity, and the experience was incredible," said Downing after the night's festivities had come to a close. "This is what you dream about as an athlete, to be at events of this magnitude, it really is amazing."

After two impressive opening ceremonies at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, the host country did not disappoint in terms of pomp and circumstance on Friday.

Following the entry of the delegations and welcoming speeches by the organizing committee, the stadium filled with light, while over 3,000 dancers, musicians and singers took to the stage for three performances.

The first, entitled 'The Story of Spring,' saw violinist Yang Fan appear out of the stadium floor, rising at an incredible 45-degree angle on a moving pillar that shown with white light.
The second performance, 'Dance with Books,' was an homage to the student-athlete, and featured an acrobatic show involving intricate partner handstands, while one gymnast balance upside down on a 45-foot pillar above the stadium.

The final act, called 'Make a Difference,' represented youth and the theme of the games. Featuring three singers from different parts of the globe, the large contingent of dancers combined to form flowers and animals.

"The lights, the sounds, it was unbelievable," said 800m runner Annie Leblanc, from Repentigny, Que. "This is the first time I have seen anything like this, and when [the Chinese delegation] was introduced, the stadium just shook with how loud it got."

It was then time for the torch to enter the stadium, carried on a bicycle to symbolize Shenzhen's move towards 'An environment-friendly road.' Chinese icon and 2008 Olympic gold medallist Liu Xiang served as the final length of the torch run, to the delight of the crowd.

"I was impressed with the enthusiasm of the fans," said Mississauga native Dontae Richards-Kwok, who is set to compete in athletics in the 100 and 200m. "You can see that they are incredibly supportive of these games, as an athlete that makes you feel special."

Although the games officially begin with the opening ceremonies, the Canadian team has already begun competition with three contests, all against Great Britain. On Thursday, Canada's women's soccer team prevailed 2-0, while the men's soccer squad lost 2-1. On Friday morning, women's water polo settled for an 8-8 draw.

-CIS-