SPECTACULAR OPENING

Evening Star, Issue 19931, 30 July 1928, Page 3

SPECTACULAR OPENING

FRENCHMEN PIQUED TROUBLE WITH GATEKEEPER: Press Association —By ■Teleffiapb—Copyright. LONDON, July 28. Amsterdam is'a. virtual Tower of Babel, forty-seven nations being represented by approximately 5,00 U athletes, and the ninth Olympiad is the biggest in the history of the games. Curiously enough, the tremendous influx of tiie cream of the world’s athletes and the legion of tongues has not caused the placid Dutchmen to take more than a passing interest, and the whole of tho excitement is confined to foreigners. Even an excellent chance of a free view of the training of sportsmen known tho world over fails to attract the Dutchman in the street any more than a cycling messenger boy. It is a fact that if bo cares a jot about the Olympiad ho stolidly hides his interest behind tho daily routine of cigars and lager. As a business proposition the games are another matter, for tho Netherlander* are reaping a rich harvest. Tho opening will be spcctaculai. Prince Hendrik will drive to the stadium in the State coach, and will watch a spectacular parade of nations, each competitor wearing his national colours. As each team finishes tho circuit it will form up in column facing the stand of honour, and thereupon the Prince will declare the games open Immediately there will be a fanfare of trumpets and a salute of guns. The Olympic flag will be hoisted, and fit tv pigeons will be simultaneously released, each with its neck beribboned with the colours of one of the competing nations. Thereafter the ceremony of administering tho oath to an athlete will be held. One nominated by Holland will advance to the front of tho stand bearing tho flag of ins country', and, surrounded by all tin i>or standardbearers, he will pronounce the oath, whereupon each will subscribe by lifting the right arm. The oath ,-eads: “We swear to present ourselves at the Olympiad as fair competitors, respecting the rules governing the gajnes, being desirous of participating therein in a" chivalrous spirit for tho honour of our country and sport.”—Australian Press Association.