During the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games, athletes from Greece traditionally enter the stadium first as a nod to their historical role in the origins of the Olympics. Conversely, athletes from the host nation are typically the last to enter, symbolizing national pride and unity. This order is consistent across most Olympic Games.
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7 young athletes that were chosen by gold medal winners from GB
The athletes from China will be the last to enter during the opening ceremonies. Olympic protocol dictates that the host country's athletes enter last at the opening ceremony.
At the opening ceremonies, the flag is brought in after all athletes have entered the stadium and the host country's representative declares the Games open. The flag is then raised as the Olympic Hymn plays.
The opening ceremonies is the official start of the Olympic games, whether summer or winter. It is held in a large stadium or arena in the host city and is known for spectacular performances and high budgets. Every opening ceremony includes a march of the athletes participating in the games, who walk into the stadium for their country in alphabetical order with Greece first and the host country last. For many, the opening ceremonies symbolizes peace, hope and unity.
Greece
In the opening ceremony, the athletes from the host country enter last. In the closing ceremony, the athletes enter en masse and there is no structure as to what country's athletes enter last.
The team from the country which is hosting the games enters the Olympic Stadium last at the opening ceremonies. At the closing ceremonies, it is informal and there is no structure to state who comes through last.
The opening ceremonies signify the official start to each Olympic Games. An artistic program is designed by each hosting country to perform as an exhibition. In addition, the Parade of Nations takes place, in which the athletes march into the stadium to represent their country.
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Athens Greece
1908