Paris - Hassan Ali: (Photographs by: Ali Al-Halwaji)
Amidst rain showers, the 33rd edition of the Olympic Games, "Paris 2024," was inaugurated with an unconventional and historic ceremony by the Seine River. The French capital, Paris, will host the games until August 11.
The event was graced by French President Emmanuel Macron, numerous heads of state, presidents and representatives of national Olympic committees, international and continental federations, senior sports leaders, officials, and ambassadors. The Paris 2024 Olympics were launched with the participation of 300,000 spectators who lined both sides of the river, creating a grand and awe-inspiring spectacle.
His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, graced the opening ceremony with his presence, a significant moment for Bahraini representation at the Olympics. He was accompanied by the Secretary-General of the Olympic Committee, His Excellency Mr. Faris Mustafa Al-Kooheji, several Board of Directors members, and heads of the participating sports federations.
For the first time in Olympic history, the parade of participating countries was conducted on 85 boats. These boats sailed 6 kilometres along the Seine River, highlighting Paris's historical landmarks and natural beauty. The boats arrived at the Trocadero area, opposite the iconic Eiffel Tower, where the official protocols were held, including the lighting of the Olympic flame and the formal announcement of the games' opening.
The Kingdom of Bahrain's delegation entered the parade on boat number 7, with the Kingdom's flag proudly carried by swimming team members Amani Al-Obaidli and Saud Salah Ghali. During their passage, His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa warmly greeted the delegation from among the attendees.
The delegation included Mission Director Ahmed Mohamed Abdul-Ghaffar, administrative team members Hassan Abdel Rahim Juma, Youssef Hussein, and Wissam Al Tayeb, judo athlete Askerbi, judo team technical director Khalid Al Arifi, weightlifting administrator Tariq Al Bastaki, and weightlifting coach Lady Andrea, who donned traditional Bahraini attire (ghutra and agal). The Summer Olympics will feature competitions in 32 sports, with 10,500 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees participating.
This version maintains professionalism, clarity, and coherence, making it suitable for an English-speaking audience.
