FSM Team greets the world at London Olympics opening ceremony

Marz Akapito

Team Press Attaché

 London (July 29, 2012): The FSM Team at the London Olympics took part in the Opening Ceremony, joining the 203 nations in the “Parade of Nations” which have converged in London for the world’s biggest and prestigious quadrennial sport competitions.

Weightlifter Manuel Minginfel was the flag bearer for the 13-members Team FSM when they marched into the pact arena to thunderous beats and spectacular lighting. Team FSM entered the stadium after Mexico in the lauded ceremony that is predicted to attract billions of viewers around the world. The team paraded around the altered oval in a spear-head formation with the athletes at the front.  Minginfel was first followed by Mihter Wendolin and Debra Daniel, the two female athletes who specialize in track-and-field and swimming respectively. Behind Wendolin and Daniel were Kerson Hadley (swimmer), Keitani Graham (wrestler) and John Howard (sprinter), marching side by side while waving to the  screaming crowd. Four coaches were right behind the athletes: George Steven, Rendy Germinaro, Ron Etshceit and Larry Uwelur, three of whom are upshot young coaches with competition experiences in Micronesia, Oceania and (for Larry) at the world. Shielding the team from the back was the leader of the delegation, Mr. Ted Rutun, one of four vice presidents of the FSM National Olympic Committee, who was sandwiched between Mrs. Sweeter Daniel and Mrs. Lestly Ashby throughout the parade. Daniel and Ashby are swimming coaches who also assist with administrative tasks for the team.

Along with 203 other teams, FSM was treated with a British-fashion welcome that also featured a number of celebrities including James Bond, Mohamed Ali, Mr. Bean and The Beatles in an unforgettable moment that was blessed with the presence of Queen Elizabeth II who declared the London Olympics open after brief welcome remarks by Lord Sebastian Coe, President of the Local Organizing Committee, and Mr. Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee.  

At the pinnacle of the ceremony, seven young sportsmen and sportswomen initiated the lighting of the 204 cobber petals that are combined to form a big cauldron of flame, signifying the spirit of the Olympics.

The fact that the Queen declared the games and stayed throughout the elegant display that went past mid-night, and having the young athletes to light the flame that will remain lid for the duration of this event further highlighted the motto and message of this Olympics, “inspire a generation”. The FSM athletes spoke very favorably of the event with anticipation, calling it a precious memory that words cannot fully explain.