[Weekender] Let the games begin

The Gwangju Universiade opened with a bang at its main stadium Friday.

Under the event’s slogan of “Light Up Tomorrow,” traditional Korean percussion musicians and a Western marching band celebrated the opening of the games with thrilling performances.

Dancers then took to the stage to perform a traditional mock battle.

The performances depicted the beauty of the host city and the historical significance of Mount Mudeungsan. The mountain not only represents Gwangju’s scenic landscape, but also symbolizes human rights, peace and democracy.

Actor Joo Won, TVXQ member Yun-ho and pansori singer So-hee heated up the atmosphere in the stadium with acts titled “Today’s Youth,” “Shadow of Youth” and “Goddess of Life,” respectively.

Boy bands SHINee and Block B, hip-hop duo Jinusean, and girl groups EXID and Crayon Pop also performed.

Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, was introduced and the Universiade’s key messages of “Life” and “Love” were presented with Korean traditional music.

Athletes marched in to Korean folk songs arranged into electronic dance music. 

After their entry, joint Gwangju Universiade Organizing Committee president Kim Hwang-sik and the International University Sports Federation president Claude-Louis Gallien gave welcoming and opening speeches, respectively. 

President Park Geun-hye then declared the Universiade open. Following the declaration, the Universiade flag, which depicts the letter “U” surrounded by five stars symbolizing the continents, was hoisted. Representatives of athletes and referees took the oath.

The flag of the International University Sports Federation was raised, and the final torchbearer lit the flame cauldron. The flame will burn nonstop for 12 days until the closing ceremony on July 14.

The Gwangju Universiade has drawn 13,018 athletes and officials from 149 countries. The athletes will compete for 2,648 medals at stake in 21 sports.

The games will be held at 37 venues in and around Gwangju. The GUOC saved 200 billion won ($178 million) by minimizing new venue construction and securing 100 percent games-related merchandising rights. Many corporations are sponsoring the Gwangju Universiade by supplying equipment, cars, food and beverages, uniforms and other goods. Organizers say they have sought to hold the most eco-friendly and cost-effective event possible.

This is the third time Korea has hosted a Universiade. Muju, North Jeolla Province, held the 1997 Winter Universiade, and Daegu held the 2003 Summer Universiade.

The committee said they had tried to deliver a consistent message in the opening ceremony rather than put on a massive concert-like show.

By Oh Hyun-ah (elizaoh@naver.com)