The charm and splendor of the athletes parading on boats at the Paris Olympic ceremony

The Paris 2024 Olympics officially kicked off on Friday with an opening ceremony that featured plenty of glitz and glamour during the parade of athletes.

The ceremony was not held in the main bowl of the stadium as usual, but each team boarded a boat and sailed down the Seine River, accompanied by music from many artists.

Music star Lady Gaga and football legend Zinedine Zidane were among those involved in the colourful and stunning show in Paris.

Rapper Snoop Dogg carries the Olympic torch through Paris, taking in views of art, history and a fashion parade that takes place along one of the bridges on the River Seine.

The Nigerian team was well represented. On board with three other countries including the neighboring Republic of Niger, the Nigerian flag was carried by Tobi Amusan and Anuoluwapo Opeyori.

Teams from participating countries as well as spectators watching from both sides of the river braved the rain and cheered as the ceremony lasted into the night.

Also Read: Gallant Super Falcons lose to Brazil in Olympic opener

Tributes were also paid to 10 golden heroes of French history after Axelle Saint-Cirel delivered a new version of the French national anthem from the roof of the Grand-Palais.

These heroines include: Olympe de Gouges, Alice Milliat, Gisèle Halimi, Simone de Beauvoir, Paulette Nardal, Jeanne Barret, Louise Michel, Christine de Pizan, Alice Guy and Simone Veil.

One of the most spectacular moments of the extraordinary opening ceremony was the light show on the Eiffel Tower.

Canadian singer Celine Dion also performed live on stage in the center of the tower. Her performance – the singer’s first since 2022 – closed the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Team Nigeria has a total of 88 athletes, including 63 women and 25 men, and will participate in 12 sports at the Olympics.

The Super Falcons women’s soccer team kicked off their medal bid with a 1-0 loss to Brazil. They face Spain and Japan in their other group games in the coming days.

See more images from the opening ceremony of the XXXIII Olympiad.

The post The glamour and splendor of athletes parading on boats at the Paris Olympics ceremony first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.