In a Russian Samba Rhythm, the Amazing Opening Ceremony Marks the Chelyabinsk 2014 World Judo Championship
It is not easy to describe the beauty of the Opening Ceremony of the Chelyabinsk 2014 World Judo Championship. A full 7,500-seat venue watched a real show. The structure offered by Traktor Arena was very good and the organizers used the huge screens on the ceiling and all the back-stage space in order to provide an excellent party.
The first part of the ceremony was marked by the presentation of the city and the country through the seasons of the year. With instrumental music that reminded a real Russian ballet, the colors of the combat area - covered by a white cloth - changed as the imaginary time was passing by. It was hard to know where to look because they in rings stuck to the ceiling of the venue, there were trapeze artists. The transition was made during all blocks by large wheels which referred to the city’s economic vocation: metal heavy industry, especially tanks and trucks. At the end of this part, a rain of petals fell on the audience. The tree losing its leaves was a sakura, the typical Japanese cherry blossom and that derived into a presentation of taiko.
The second part presented some of the countries participating in the World Judo Championship. Argentina with its tango dancers, China with its dragons and the United States with some of his cowboys were some of the represented countries. Brazil entered at the end with the "mulattas" with feathers and sequins and the scoundrels tried to samba in Russia. A capoeira show also took place in Traktor Arena.
One of the most important points was when the real tiger Zhorik appeared and paraded around the arena before getting into his cage. And, magically, it was transformed into the Mascot of the World followed by the audience’s applauses. This was the scene that started the call of the 110 countries that were participating in the World Judo Championship. Rochele Nunes was responsible for carrying the flag of Brazil.
The President of the International Judo Federation, Marius Vizer, welcomed the athletes, the technical committees and the public, and congratulated the organizers. A children's choir sang the anthem of Russia. At the end of his speech, the theme song of the World 2014 invaded the arena. With the right to the drone carrying the world flag flying over the audience, the mascot Zhorik came back to the center of the venue to close the ceremony and start the competition for medals.
