For the first time in the history of the modern Olympic Games, the Opening Ceremony of the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018 was held in the street, with the celebration open to all. Over 200.000 people participated in the spectacular party held in Avenida 9 de Julio, the main avenue in Buenos Aires.
The show itself was spectacular, with the Olympic rings appearing to float in the air, the Youth Olympic sports being presented on the iconic Obelisk, and numerous tango dancers performing on the balconies of the apartments lining the avenue. Almost 2.000 people worked to ensure the smooth running of the Ceremony, including more than 350 artists, technicians and musicians.
Addressing the young athletes in his speech, IOC President Thomas Bach said: “To get here, each of you trained and competed hard. You gave your best in the sport you love so much. This is why you deserve to be here, at your Games. Every athlete is different. We all come from different parts of the world and have different cultures. But we are all united by the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect. Guided by these Olympic values, each one of you makes a difference in sport and in life. This experience will stay with you for all your life. We are all assembled here to celebrate you, as the real game-changers.”
The Torch Relay concluded with two legends of Argentinian sport – Paula Pareto and Santiago Lange – who had the honor of lighting the cauldron with the Youth Olympic flame. The flame will now be moved to the Youth Olympic Park, where it will continue to burn until the end of the Games on 18 October.
Shooting sport events started today, at the range located inside the Tecnopolis Park, in the western area of Buenos Aires. There, 80 young athletes representing 58 National Olympic Committees will competed in six 10-meter shooting events - in Rifle and Pistol disciplines - between today and the 12th of October.
The first final, the 10m Air Rifle Men event, is set to kick off today, at 11:15 AM (UTC-3). The other five 10m Air Pistol and Air Rifle events will follow, one final per day, always at 11:15 (find the schedule here).
Photos, videos, results, news and updates will be available on www.buenosaires2018.com, on the Olympic Channel, on www.issf-sports.org and on all ISSF social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Weibo and Youku.