PARIS, France, Jul 26 – Team Kenya athletes led by flag-bearers Ferdinand Omanyala and Triza Atuka were bouncing off the walls in the French Capital in what will perhaps go down in the folklore as the most picturesque Olympic Games’ Opening Ceremony ever.
The Kenyans were among the more than 10,000 athletes who sailed across the river in a unique 3.5-mile parade Friday, officially starting the 2024 Paris Games with zest and vigour.
Unlike other editions when participating nations have matched past the track, the teams went through the surreal parade in alphabetical orders as throngs of fans flocked the flattering Eiffel Tower where major celebrations took place.
–Heavens Open—
Soggy but cheering crowds following proceedings on the banks of the choppy Seine were treated to some unforgettable moments.
Rains are usually not anticipated in summer, but Paris witnessed drizzles, sprinkles and then nonstop rains which drenched the ceremony of the Paris Olympics.
It’s been an unusually wet year for Paris incidentally a century after the city hosted its first Games.
So, the skies were gray with intermittent drizzle throughout the afternoon. They cleared as the ceremony began, but rains picked up as the procession advanced down the river.
Alex Isaboke reporting live from Paris France