Opening ceremony of the 2011 World Table Tennis Championships
The memories of Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson came back to the minds of the spectators attending the opening ceremony of the GAC GROUP 2011 World Table Tennis Championships. The performers used the get up of the legendary singers.
The dancers from Rio de Janeiro, the city of carnivals and the Dragon Dancers from China on a 'Journey Around the World' were the key attractions of the opening ceremony of the mega event. Rotterdam never looked this much alive, as it was on Saturday evening.
The draws for the top 16 seeded players from Men’s and Women’s Singles category were announced in a dim light and dramatic way. The draws were played by two legendary Dutch table tennis players who made the evening more special for the table tennis fans.
The event was graced by Bettine Vriesekoop, who conducted the draws of the Women's Singles category. She won the Women's Singles title twice at the European Championships and also won gold at the Europe Top 12, twice. The Men's Singles draws were conducted
by a legendary, 90-year old Dutch player Cor du Buy.
There were other prominent names present on the ceremony, Werner Thury the head referee for the Championship, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Competition Manager, Didier Leroy, and the Head of ITTF Technical Committee, Graeme Ireland.
The President of the ITTF, Adham Sharara, addressed the ceremony. The other speakers of the opening were Ronald Kramer the President of the Netherlands Table Tennis Federation and the Mayor of Rotterdam, Netherlands.
This year the theme of the Championship was to bring harmony amongst the participating countries. All the participants, officials and the spectators were delighted with a sense of unity.
There was a short play shown on the event in which a small girl was shown. She had a table tennis racket in her hand. She travels around the World and makes friends. She meets new families and makes new friends.
The President of ITTF paid tribute to the legendary Dutch player Cor du Buy on his contribution towards the table tennis. Cor du Buy was awarded with two titles. He further extended his thanks to the player on his support on organising the international
tournament in 1975.
The opening ceremony was a mixture of innovation and culture. The organisers also paid a tribute to the people who lost their lives during the earthquake and resulting tsunami in Japan. The participants showed solidarity with the Japanese.
The event will conclude on May, 15. The whole world is eyeing on Rotterdam as it will be the centre of the table tennis events during the week. The best players will be returning home with the titles.
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