International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry lauded the seamless blend of traditional culture, sports and technology in the opening ceremony of China's 15th National Games after attending the event Sunday in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province.
In an interview with China Media Group(CMG) in Beijing on Wednesday, Coventry said the event was "captivating from beginning to end," highlighting the vivid colors, choreography and the strong sense of cultural pride displayed throughout the performance.
"I don't think I can pick one particular part because it was captivating for the whole time. It was really wonderful, the blend of culture and sport and technology and how that just seamlessly all worked was incredible. The colors and the dancers, and something that I love about China is just how proud culturally you are and you feel it and it's a passion," she said.
She also spoke about watching the ceremony alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, calling it "an unforgettable moment", and said she was especially moved by how proudly the president spoke about China's culture as they discussed the drum performances.
"I got to share the experience with his excellency and the first lady and that was again really incredible. And I got to share with him a moment with some of the drums. I said all the drums they bring back really good memories from 2008 (Summer Olympics in Beijing). And he so proudly shared with me the difference between the northern and southern drums and in 2008 the different drums that were used. And again, it was so awesome and cool to hear the head of state, the president talking so proudly about the culture of the country. And it was really special," she said.
China's 15th National Games, co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, are running from Nov 9 to 21.
IOC president lauds opening ceremony of China’s 15th National Games
