Aug 08, 2008 - 11:00 AM

By Brad Kelly

I don't get goose bumps very often, especially in temperatures that nudge 30 degrees Celsius with a humidity reading of nearly 90 per cent.

But the sights and sounds of the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games here in Beijing certainly left me in awe.

The countdown of the last minute before the official start at 8 p.m., saw thousands of performers on the floor of the National Stadium pounding loudly on drums, They counted down in increments of 10 that lit up the stadium and it was at that point you knew that this was going to be something special.

The choreography was amazing, the imagery stunning, the colours in high def. The sound of music thundered through the stadium that was filled to capacity, 91,000 people watching live and an estimated 4 billion looking on from around the world.

The performers, some 14,000 of them, raced into the stadium and entertained with precision, each move choreographed and well-rehearsed, but completed effortlessly. Those who lined the stadium for the parade of athletes were enthusiastic, their energy level and smiles matched by the athletes who passed by, completing a full lap and a half before taking up position on the infield.

On the outside, security was very tight, as members of the Peoples Liberation Army were out in full force at every corner and stop light. Everyone entering the stadium, media included, was subjected to a metal detector test, something common and expected either coming or going.

But inside, the troubles with the outside world and the differences between the countries and their political philosophies were not part of the celebration for these athletes. No, the Olympic movement and those who govern their respective associations will never solve or eliminate those problems. But sitting in the stands, you begin to realize their motive of bringing people together as one was met on this night.

The motto "One World One Dream" for these Games is ideal. The organizing committee in Beijing have given those in attendance a night to remember.

The countries paraded into the stadium according to the Chinese alphabet, Canada 63rd to enter, just after Ghana and right before Gabon. Kayaker Adam van Koeverden of Oakville led the way, having carried the flag out of the stadium at Athens four years ago during the closing ceremonies and right back in tonight.

Watching as the other countries passed by, our flag looks absolutely vibrant as it appears from a tunnel at the far end, van Koeverden waving it feverishly back and forth on to the track as our athletes emerge and follow behind.

As the athletes pass by and head around the first bend, there are Canadian flags and presumably family members standing under them, jumping up and down in a show of support. As those on the track take notice, they pause to wave to the crowd in a show of acknowledgment.

It's enough to bring a tear to the eye.

What the athletes had to say:

Adam van Koeverden (Canoe/Kayak, Oakville, Ont.), Canada’s flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games:

“It was amazing. I could go through every adjective I know: amazing, incredible, exciting, awesome -- it still doesn't do it justice. The best part about it was walking along and looking up in the stands and seeing maple leaves. Canadians in red standing up and then Chinese in red standing up and waving Canadian flags. So many maple leaves, I felt like I was walking into the stadium in Toronto.”   

Leslie Thompson-Willie (Rowing, London, Ont.), sixth time marching in an Opening Ceremony

“It’s always thrilling … to see all the volunteers is amazing. It is a feeling of being so welcome. Walking in singing O Canada was a first for me.”

Isabelle Rampling (Synchronized Swimming, Burlington, Ont.), reactions following Opening Ceremony

“The energy was extraordinary as we walked into the stadium. The dancing, the music and all the Canadian flags gave me goose bumps. I was not expecting something like this.” 

Marie-Pierre Gagné (Synchronized Swimming, Montreal), reactions following Opening Ceremony

 “I don’t know if it was the excitement but we felt the heat as we walked into the stadium. The volunteers and the crowd were so welcoming.” 

Mike Saunders (Baseball, Victoria, B.C.), reactions following Opening Ceremony:

“There are no words to describe it. I expected a lot but this exceeded my dreams.”

Alison Bradley (Softball, Pinkerton, Ont.), reactions following Opening Ceremony:

“The coolest part was hearing everyone in the tunnel singing O Canada I had chills as I walked into the stadium.”