Wuhan 2019 CISM Military World Summer Games open in Splendor
WUHAN (CHN) - Superlative - that’s the only word that comes to mind after witnessing the Opening Ceremony of the 7th edition of the CISM Military World Summer Games (CWG) on Friday, 18 October, in Wuhan, China. Magnificent, spectacular, splendid - without doubt, all participants will cherish this memory of a lifetime as these Games opened with a fantastic and entertaining opening show displaying some highlights of China’s history and culture that culminated in a spellbinding lighting the 7th CWG Cauldron, accompanied by spectacular Chinese fireworks.
Over a Hundred Participating Nations
Following the CISM Games protocol, 109 contingents entered the Wuhan Sports Center to thunderous cheers from the public, especially when host delegation China set foot in the venue. After the entry of the host nation’s flag and the CISM flag, the flag-raising ceremony was held.
The floor was then given to General Xu Qilang, Chairman of the 7th CWG Organizing Committee. "Under the theme of sharing friendship and promoting peace, we would like to chase the Olympic dream of, ‘Faster, higher and stronger’ together with friends from all over the world, thus realizing the glory of the soldiers and harvesting understanding, trust and friendship among them," said General Qilang. “We hope that with common efforts, the 7th CWG will be a fantastic, excellent, exceptional military gala.”
CISM President Colonel Hervé Piccirillo gave all participants a warm welcome. “I heartily thank our Chinese hosts and the citizens of Wuhan and the Armed Forces of the Republic of China in particular for their enthusiasm in hosting the CISM Games.”
Joy, Pride and hope were the keywords in Colonel Piccirillo’s speech. “Joy, as sports life and military life share the same values that unite people, i.e. resilience, courage, team spirit, being brothers in arms, but also the respect for ethics at the basis of every soldier’s engagement to serve his or her country,” the Colonel said.
The CISM President expressed great pride at the hosting of the Games. “Pride, because these Games will mark the history of international military sport by their magnitude, their impact and their excellence. This unprecedented mobilization of CISM member countries is a demonstration of your commitment to the military values of CISM and your willingness to live together during these games. The Athletes' Village is an example of urban integration, respect for environmental issues and a place of sharing that will leave a legacy for future generations,” President Piccirrillo said in his address to the participating nations.
Ending his welcome speech, the CISM President expressed his hope for a better future for the world. “In this uncertain world, we send a message of brotherhood, solidarity, tolerance and friendship to the world together. Tonight, you are all ambassadors of peace in the world!”
In a video message, Thomas Bach, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, wished the host city great success for the 7th CWG. "By having the best athletes from the armed forces, over 100 countries come together in friendship and respect.” Bach said, “You are setting a great example of the power of sport to bring together all people in peaceful competition. In this context, I congratulate CISM under the leadership of Colonel Hervé Piccirillo as well as the wonderful Chinese host for making this possible. This event comes at a very special moment for China. It is the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. I would like to congratulate all Chinese people on this great event. Always give it your best. Always compete in the Olympics spirit of excellence, respect, and fair play. I wish you much success and a wonderful competition in this great city of Wuhan.”
After the speeches, volleyball player Yuan Xinyue and basketball referee Wen Keming, representing the athletes and referees, pronounced the respective oaths to compete and referee in all fairness and true sportsmanship.
Following the oath-taking ceremony, His Excellency Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the People’s Republic of China and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, declared the 7th edition of the Military Games open.
Flame of Peace
When the observation of the ceremonial protocol ended, the countdown to the lighting of the Cauldron set off with a cultural entertainment program focusing on an artistic performance called ‘Flame of Peace’. The performance was divided into two chapters: ‘Flourishing China’, showcasing the host country as a great nation with a time-honored history, and ‘Interconnected World’, in which the hosts promoted inclusiveness and embraced diversity.
The crowd in attendance was treated to mind-boggling hi-tech video images, resulting in multi-dimensional and stereoscopic visual effects supporting a spectacular 360-degree panoramic and three-dimensional performance. The spectators were taken on a tour of the past of the host country, the present and the future, travelling through different landscapes, from desserts to mountains, boating on the Yangtze river – yes, real water – while even a bullet train raced through the center stage. At the same time, various groups depicted the military achievements of China, including the many peace-keeping deployments.
The post-performance protocol included the final lap of the torch relay and lighting ceremony inside the arena.
The 7th CWG torch, a symbol of ‘Peace and Glory’ that was officially lit on 1 August in Nachang Jiangxi Province, with the relay having begun at Bayi Square, made its way into the Wuhan Sports Centre following an audio-visual recap of the torch relay.
Ferried by seven torchbearers in the stadium, including Wuhan native Wang Shuang, member of the Chinese women’s football team, the flame reached the last torchbearer, the former basketball player Liu Yudong, who climbed a flight of stairs and lit a water fountain at the base of the 7th CWG Cauldron. The streak of fire spread from the foot of the fountain and swiftly crept up the giant chalice-shaped Cauldron, setting its brim ablaze, with a suspended canopy depicting the five continents, lighting up simultaneously overhead.
With a fusion of creativity and Chinese technological distinction at its fore, the 7th CWG delivered an Opening Ceremony that will be etched in the annals of history.
A magical evening ended with the theme song of the 7th Military Games, ‘Torch of Peace’.
Let’s hope the athletes will continue to dazzle the spectators with their performances in the days to come!
(Source: CISM Media and Communication Department – Journalists: Ms. Annesha Gosh & Mr. Christian Pierre - Pictures: SUMOC Executive Committee)
