Olympians welcomed to London with colorful song and dance

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Athletes from around the world were welcomed and greeted by a colorful parade of performers ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games in Olympic Park. Like a sight out of Dorothy’s visit to the Emerald City, each country was honored at the Welcoming Ceremony. Dancing, waving, and celebrating the competitive sport of the Games, participants also had an opportunity to sign the Truce Wall.

World braces for eccentric and exuberant London ceremony
Mike Collett-White and Paul Casciato
Reuters
11:38 a.m. EDT, July 27, 2012

LONDON (Reuters) – The world’s spotlight turned to London’s Olympic Stadium on Friday where the opening ceremony kick starts the 2012 Games with an eccentric and exuberant celebration of British history, art and culture.

Huge crowds flocked to the state-of-the-art arena in the Olympic Park, a sprawling network of sporting venues, athletes’ accommodation, media centers and restaurants built in a previously run-down area of London’s East End.

“The atmosphere is amazing,” said Rebecca Simpson, a 21-year-old dancer due to take part in the ceremony. “The crowd is buzzing and it’s amazing to be a part of something so big. I’m really nervous but nervous-excited.”

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