Opening Ceremony, Frozen Pipes
January 17, 2012
Filed under Alpine Ski
Tags: alpine ski, Bagpipes, bbc presenter, Graham Bell, laser light show, learning disability, Opening Ceremony
Tuesday evening and we are back on track with the Blog and before moving on to tell you a little about today’s events, I must try and paint a picture of last night’s Opening Ceremony.
Imagine, if you can, more than 60 skiers snaking their way down the mountain carrying with them burning torches, each one an orange beacon in the night sky – quite magical! The Athlete Parade followed with each Region’s name displayed on a large snow flake.
Skiers coming down the hill for the opening ceremony
As the excitement built three members of the local Poliza skied down to the assembled crowd to present the flame of hope to West Midlands Athlete, George Brunt closely followed by Graham Bell carrying a HUGE Special Olympics GB Flag billowing in the cold night air as he skied down the mountain at top speed.
With the reading of the oaths and welcome speeches, the ceremonial part of the ceremony was over and then followed a stunning laser light show, hot chocolate and cake.
There was only one hitch … you remember the lone Piper I mentioned yesterday? … he was due to lead the Athlete parade and unfotunately it was so cold that his Bagpipes “froze” and he could raise no more than a painful squeak and despite his best efforts had to throw in the tartan towel. All was not lost as having moved inside to a welcome warmer temperature, full service was resumed and the Piper finally got to play.
So today was divisioning in preparation for the competition that starts tomorrow. The conditions on the slopes remain challenging but good and a compact surface with no fresh snow fall means we could be in for some fast times and thrilling competition.
Graham Bell had to say goodbye to us all this evening but his presence, as always, left the Athletes inspired to get out there tomorrow and put on their best “ race face” Beth Wragg thanked Graham on behalf of all the Athletes and gave him a small gift of friendship.
Please our Flirck page where there are loads of photos about the Opening Ceremony
As for me, I continue to take in this truly wonderful scenery, the silence that echos around the mountains and the childlike pleasure of sitting in the chair lift and swinging my feet.
I’ve been told I have to fess up and tell you the Gondola story but as the days slip by I migfht just get away with it ……
We are enjoying the blog, Please let Fleur know Simba is fine
Thanks Dick, we will be sure to let Fleur know!
It was that cold, in reference to the bagpipes. It sounds like the opening ceremonies was festive, not to mention there was hot chocolate and dessert included.
Erin Gilmore
[...] was clearly moved by the opening ceremony, she explained: “It was amazing and emotional and more than I ever expected. The highlight was [...]
Great to see that is just as cold as Aberdeenshire. Good luck to all the Grampian Gang.