The dream of every athlete is to be their country’s flag bearer at an international competition. This dream came true for over 100 student athletes at the opening ceremony of the Chengdu FISU World University Games, held Friday evening at the Dong’an Lakes Sports Park Stadium.
LIN03834Representatives from 113 countries marched into the sold-out venue, with host China having the largest delegation, including an impressive 416 athletes.
The ceremony featured various spectacular performances by local artists, all directed by Chen Weiya, Chief of the Creative Team.
What will always be remembered as a remarkable event came to a close with the lighting of the flame to the sound of Make Dreams Come True, the Games’ anthem.
Ekuta Enku Ewa, a judo athlete from Nigeria, shared her feelings about being her nation’s co-flag bearer. The student from the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said it’s a moment she will treasure her entire life.
“It was amazing and wonderful marching in front of the crowd as the flag bearer of the country,” said Ewa, adding she was struggling to find the best words to describe the experience. “Really, I don’t have words right now to use, but I will appreciate those moments forever.”
It was also a dream come true for Australia’s Alec Diamond.
“It is great for me to be the flag bearer of Australia at an international competition. This is my first time to be the flag bearer of the country, and I have been dreaming of this for years, and the dream came true in Chengdu.”
“This is my first time being willing to have the experience, and it came true for me,” added Colombia’s Sofia Pineres. “The goal is to continue to be the flag bearer of the country in more international competitions.”
Boakye Mary, a University of Education, Winneba student in Ghana, said she had a great experience that will not be forgotten.
“It was an amazing experience for me, as I enjoyed every moment of carrying the flag. It was my first experience, which I enjoyed very well. I will be willing to do this more for my country at more international events.”
Featuring 18 sports, the FISU Summer Games run until August 8 in the capital of the southwestern province of Sichuan.
You can follow the action of the Chengdu FISU World University Games on FISU.tv.
Written by Hassan Abdulsalam, FISU Young Reporter
Related News
So many Olympians are also student-athletes
Continental champion, lawyer-to-be and coach… all in a day’s work!
A falcon named Wanda
