A Spectacular Start!

By Dale Cox, WorldSkills International

The Parade of Nations, the WorldSkills Oaths, official welcome and energetic, vibrant and colourful entertainment, the Opening Ceremony for WorldSkills London 2011 was a celebration of youth, excellence and passion at the O2. Beginning with a spectacular 500 member choir the youth of the United Kingdom representing Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England welcomed the Competitors and Experts from all over the world.  Talented dancers, singers, actors and acrobats entertained the audience in a blaze of colour and light, drawing on both the traditional and contemporary culture of the nation.

The Right Honourable Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister, continued the welcome of WorldSkills to the United Kingdom. In a speech which emphasized the importance of excellence in Skills to the New Economy, Mr Clegg proudly noted that the UK Competitor in Cooking in WorldSkills Calgary 2009 won a Gold Medal, a fact which may have surprised those who do not traditionally associate this skill with British Cuisine!

Beatboxer Marv-ill lead a group of young artists in a stunning performance using state of the art media, lighting, drama and dance to represent how “Skills shape our city, Skills shape our world.” The enthusiasm of the young performers was contagious, and the atmosphere heightened as the spectacular Parade of Nations began.

National costumes added colour and brilliance to an already exciting parade – Indian saris, Japanese kimonos, the colourful scarves of South Africa combined with the colour and splendor of the flags from all the Member Nations of WorldSkills International to create an incredible atmosphere. The noise from supporters was deafening, in particular the Swiss brought cowbells, which rang throughout the enormous O2 stadium! However, the biggest cheers of the night were reserved for the United Kingdom team, as supporters, fellow Competitors and the audience combined to celebrate and thank the host of WorldSkills London 2011.

WorldSkills International President Tjerk Dusseldorp briefly spoke, and introduced the Experts and Competitors who were chosen to take the WorldSkills Oath on behalf of all Competitors and Experts. Vision of the incredible preparations at ExCel filled the huge screens as once more the talented youth of the United Kingdom took to the stage in a breathtaking finale and countdown to what is shaping up to be the biggest and best WorldSkills Competition ever! Let the Competition begin!