Narration Narrator
In a few short months, a long journey will begin - a journey into the human spirit. From the historic land of
Greece, a torch will be carried over land and sea to the mountains of Utah. The eyes of the world will look to the West. Here, in the shadows of our snow-crested peaks
will burn a flame - a flame of peace, a flame of friendship, a flame burning bright with the hopes and dreams of the world it warmly welcomes. A flame that will light a fire
within each of us. Let it shine, let it ring -- light the dream. SONG: LIGHT THE DREAM Narrator
Three thousand years ago, the people of Greece gathered in the valley of Olympia for a footrace - the Olympics were born. For more than a thousand years, the greatest
athletes of ancient days would gather every four years to compete in the peaceful games of Olympia - until Roman rule put an end to the glory. Then in 1896, a visionary
Frenchman named Pierre de Coubertin revived the dream of nations coming together in the spirit of peaceful competition - the Olympic Games were reborn. SONG: STORY OF THE GLORY Narrator
Today, athletes gather from around the earth in a celebration
of the human family and the love of sport. They bring with them their cultures, their customs, their love of home and country. Respect for one another and accepting each
other's values and traditions are an essential part of the Olympic spirit. The traditional "Parade of Nations," held in every Opening Ceremony, demonstrates that
even though we are different, we can be one. SONG: PARADE OF NATIONS (Instrumental) Narrator
When the modern Olympic Games began, they were held only in the
summer. As the popularity of winter sports grew, the Olympics expanded to include winter games. Here in Utah, we know a lot about winter sports - but see what lies ahead
for you in 2002. SONG: 2K2 Narrator
The Olympic Flag is a symbol of harmony among all nations.
The colored rings on the white background represent the palette of colors adorning the flags of the participating countries. The five interlocking rings seem to beckon the
nations of the world to join together in peace. The rings invite us to put aside differences and unite as friends. Together we triumph through the "Rings of Fire and
Gold." SONG: RINGS OF FIRE AND GOLD Narrator
Just as there are five rings, there are also
five ideals or values of Olympism. These ideals are the guiding light for the games. They are as important for each of us as they are for the athletes who will compete.
Child 1
The first ideal of Olympism is peace. In olden times, warriors laid aside their weapons peacefully to compete in the Olympic Games. Today, the nations of the
earth put aside differences and compete in a spirit of peace. Child 2
The second ideal of Olympism is friendship and goodwill to all people. This ideal invites us
to value and respect everyone, even if they don't look, think or speak like we do. Being a friend is easy if you remember that there's one thing that we all have in
common. It's a light within each of us. "See Us Shine." SONG: SEE US SHINE Child 3
The third ideal is fair play and sportsmanship. Being honest is the first step towards building trust and making new friends. Winning should never be more important than
being fair. In every Olympic Games, one athlete is asked to represent all the athletes in taking an oath of sportsmanship and fair play. Student Representative
In the name of all competitors, I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games respecting and abiding by the rules that govern them, in the true spirit of
sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honor of our teams. Child 4
The fourth ideal of Olympism is the appreciation of fine arts. The Opening and Closing
Ceremonies are beautiful programs with music, dancing and pageantry. Sharing art and music encourages understanding among different people and cultures of the world. SONG: DREAM WITH ME Child 5
The fifth ideal is brightness and enthusiasm of the games. We can
accomplish this if we keep the spirit of Olympism in our hearts. We cannot all be Olympic athletes and win gold medals, but we can each have Olympic-sized dreams. We can
live the Olympic ideals. We can celebrate the Olympic spirit by doing the best we can and being the best we can be.
SONG: ONE WORLD Narrator
A few weeks after the Olympic Games are held, Utah will host the Paralympics. World class, disabled athletes from many
nations will compete in Paralympic events. These athletes work, train and earn the right to represent their countries and compete for the gold. Mentally challenged
individuals participate in the Special Olympics. The Special Olympics oath expresses the hope of every athlete - and all of us. Student Representative
Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. SONG: I'VE CLIMBED A MOUNTAIN
Narrator
Pierre de Coubertin articulated his dream and the spirit of Olympism when he said; "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win, but to take
part; just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well." SONG: I PLAYED THE GAME Narrator
Soon, we will welcome the world to our valleys, to our
mountains, to the greatest snow on earth. Who knows what amazing things will happen here? What records will be broken? What miracles will we see? No one knows for sure,
but one thing is certain - get ready, the world is coming to Utah. Join us in opening our arms and hearts to all nations. We represent America's youth. May the Olympic
flame light the fire within each of us to reach for the highest and best we can be. Let it shine, let it ring - light the dream. SONG: LIGHT THE DREAM (REPRISE) SONG: PLAYOFF (Instrumental) |
