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This was my 11th World Championships opening ceremony,
and I must say it ranked up there with the best. Initially upon
entering the main square the obvious was the super sized video screen,
stage, huge banners, and there were already a few thousand people
there. The ceremony started as most do with the mayor, sports council
person, organizers, and sponsors saying a few words. Meanwhile the
athletes from over 30 countries gathered in their team uniforms
not understanding a much of what is said. Except for those who speak
German, of course.
Then there were traditional Austrian performers. There were men
with big whips making big cracking sounds and dancing around, not
bad. The same men also did the hippity hoppity dancing around, stomping
their feet, and slapping their knees. I can’t be sure, but
I think these are the hillbillies of Austria. There were also traditional
dancers, not unlike refined square dancing. These must have been
the more refined class’s dancing. Then there was a performance
by Mexican and Canadian Indians. It was a good one, but talk about
confusing. We all were wondering, “What do Indians and Austria
have to do with each other?” Now, we didn’t even know,
at the time, where the Indians were from, but were sure that there
is no such thing as Indians in Austria. We are sure they were either
praying for rain, or sun, but nobody has confirmation of which one
yet. I am pretty sure it was for rain, because we got some less
than an hour later.
Then there was the parade of flags. This is always cool. Kids from
the town get to carry their flag of choice (theoretically), and
the team leader walks with them as the commentator welcomes the
country to their city. Dan Gavere(team leader) and Tanya Shuman
walked with the American Flag. The Russian, Chech, Chile, Zimbabwe,
Argentina, Norway, England, Croatia flags all received big cheers
as they were paraded through the square. Team Ireland is always
good for a laugh as they get rowdy in any group setting. The roots
of Irish Freestyle are “Irish Dave” and “Kipper”.
Both are great paddlers and as funny as people get. Give those guys
a microphone and you have a rockin’ party, guaranteed.
Finally, Hans Theessink (this guy could use a stage name), an Austrian
Blues singer, who sings in English (I swear you would think this
guy is Eric Clapton) performs his original song made for the event
called “Ro ro Rodeo” I must admit, people thought it
was a little cheesy at first, but this guy is good. He got about
5000 people singing the song and the square turned into a dancing,
singing, flag waving party in about 30 seconds. Steve Fisher and
his brother vowed to create a more “rockin” song for
a future time, but it is hard to get 5000 people to sing to something
like Rob Zombie.
There were some tear jerking stories of people doing good things
for others, too, of course. Team Chile’ came to compete and
have been training hard, but were unaware of the $120 entry fee
per person, and were completely unable to pay it. (it is a completely
different story worth telling sometime about the number of kayakers
who got here by the seat of their pants, but have no cash left for
food, lodging, entry fees, etc.) My wonderful wife, Kristine, found
out about this and made it her mission to get them the money to
enter, and at the U.S. Team meeting took up a collection. You will
be proud to know that the U.S. Team responded quite generously and
within 15 minutes their entry fees were paid in full. They were
quite thankful and the thoughts of coming across the globe only
to get turned around at the finish line were replaced with the excitement
of knowing that the Americans which are always taking advantage
of their hospitality in Chile’ were willing to reciprocate.
I went from the opening ceremony to the VIP party which was on
the floating island. It was fun, free food and drinks, but lacked
the camaraderie of the opening ceremonies. The concert, food, and
location were worth sticking around for.
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