Opening Ceremony WorldSkills Leipzig 2013

What an incredible Opening Ceremony to WorldSkills Leipzig 2013! The Ceremony opened with the world famous St. Thomas Boys Choir from the beautiful Thomaskirche here in Leipzig. Our fabulous presenters, Hadnet Tesfai and Michael Underwood, introduced the President of WorldSkills Leipzig 2013, Dr. Theodor Niehaus, and Mr Sven Morlok, the Deputy Minister President of the Free State of Saxony. There was a video message from the Federal Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel who welcomed everyone to WorldSkills Leipzig 2013.

This was followed by the moment the audience had been waiting for: the Parade of Nations. The colour and excitement of the Competitors was infectious as they entered Samsung Arena. One by one the Member Countries and Regions entered in their uniforms, proudly waving their country’s flag and accompanied by a child from their “One School One Country” visit earlier today.

Always a highlight, the arena fell silent as everyone watched the New Zealand team perform their war cry, the Haka. The final team in Samsung Arena was, of course, the host country, Germany. At their entrance the crowd rose to a standing ovation in recognition of the wonderful organization of the Competition and the Competitor’s pride in being the host of the 42nd WorldSkills Competition.

Mr. Simon Bartley, President of WorldSkills International then welcomed the Competitors to the Competition followed by Professor Dr. Johanna Wanka, the Federal Minister of Education and Research.

This was followed by the amazing “Flying Steps”, a dance group from Berlin who amazed everyone with their fantastic routine “Flying Bach”. Check out our photos on Flickr of these incredible artists!

The WorldSkills Oath was taken by three Competitors and three Experts and the 42nd WorldSkills Competition was declared open. The whole ceremony was streamed live online, and a feature of the ceremony was the Twitter feed from #WorldSkills appearing onscreen. This will happen in the Closing Ceremony as well!

Congratulations WorldSkills Leipzig 2013 on a truly inspiring, energetic and infectious Opening Ceremony. And now, let the Competition begin!