or1980v2pt1

The Opening Ceremony
On July 19, 1980, the Moscow
weather improved greatly, as promised
in the forecast by the USSR Hydrometeorological
Service. The spectators,
including tens of thousands of
visitors from abroad, filled the stands
of the Grand Arena of the Central
Lenin Stadium to capacity.
At 4 p.m., strictly according to the
scenario, dozens of powerful loudspeakers
carried the Kremlin chimes
across the stadium. The spectators
greeted with applause the appearance
of Leonid Brezhnev, Chairman of the
Presidium of the USSR Supreme
Soviet, in the central box. He was
accompanied by Lord Killanin, President
of the IOC, Ignati Novikov, President
of the OCOG-80, and Juan Antonio
Samaranch, the IOC Chief of
Protocol.
The theme song of the Games, a
festive overture by Dmitry Shostakovich,
announced the beginning of
the Opening Ceremony.
The parade was preceded by a
colourful procession in which youths
and girls in ancient Greek costumes
283
rode around the arena in three
chariots, symbolising continuity of the
Olympic ideals of antiquity with those
of the modern Games.
In keeping with tradition, the
Greek delegation opened the parade.
The delegation from the Soviet Union
brought up the rear.
The delegations of the participating
countries lined up on the green
turf, in front of the central stands, as
provided for by the scenario.
In conformity with Olympic protocol,
Ignati Novikov, President of
the OCOG-80, came up to the microphone.
He said:
"Comrade Chairman of the Presidium
of the Supreme Soviet of the
USSR!
"Mr. President of the International
Olympic Committee!
"Esteemed Members of the Olympic
family!
"Distinguished foreign guests!
"Ladies and gentlemen!
"Comrades!
"The Organising Committee of the
1980 Olympic Games in Moscow ex-
At the central box of the Grand
Arena