Beijing 2001－Closing Ceremony
Closing Ceremony
Unlike the Opening Ceremony, this time the athletes marched in all together, symbolizing unity among the different races of the world. And once again, it was a celebration…
At the Closing Ceremony of the 21st Summer Universiade FISU President George E. Killian made the following speech: ‘On the evening of August 22 we witnessed one of the most spectacular Opening Ceremonies in the history of FISU.
The ceremony seen by millions of university students throughout the world was the beginning of ten exciting days of competition in twelve sports. The athletes performing in all their glory provided FISU with a window of opportunity as it prepares itself for the years ahead. As we ring down the curtain of Universiade 2001, I would like to thank, in the name of FISU, all of the athletes, coaches, and administrators who were the stars of this Universiade for your untiring efforts in making Universiade 2001 the best in our history. I would like to thank Mr. Li Langqing, Vice Prime-Minister, for agreeing to accept Universiade 2001, to Mr. Jia Qinglin, Honorary President of the Organizing Committee, for your leadership, to Mayor Liu Qi for your constant support and leadership, and to Vice-Mayor Mr. Liu Jingmin, with whom we have worked almost on a daily basis, for his leadership and friendship during this exciting period. In closing, let me say thank you to the forty six thousand volunteers and the citizens of Beijing and China for your support. Without it, we could not have produced the largest and most successful Universiade of all time. Now I have the honor to declare the 2001 Universiade of Beijing officially closed.’
Then, as a soul-stirring voice was booming out of the loudspeakers to an ancient tune of a Guzheng instrument the Universiade flag was lowered and handed over to Daegu, the host city of the 2003 Summer Universiade. The flame that has been burning for ten days over the Workers Stadium in the heart of Beijing slowly extinguished.
Showtime
After the rigors of competition, all student-athletes gathered once more in the arena, from every corner of the Workers Stadium, for a grand get-together.
They were treated to a dazzling fashion show, including the parade of costumes of various nationalities, folk song singing by stars of major minority nationalities that reflect the cultural diversity of China, pulsating drum shows as well as a brilliant display of acrobatics featuring fire dragons and fireballs juggling.
The Workers Stadium was a sea of jubilation of the youth of the world. They danced, sang, cheered, exchanged uniforms and good wishes, promising to meet again in Daegu. The occasion will be forever remembered. Involving 6,000 performers coming from various parts of the country, this two-hour spectacular was a stunning snapshot of the Universiade City of Beijing. Memories that will never fade.
Source： FISU Editor： 王荣