The 2024 Paris Olympics began on Friday with the athlete procession, the lighting of the Olympic torch, and a unique performance by drag queens replicating “The Last Supper.”
It was an unique and historic opening ceremony in Paris, as athletes from around the world traveled on boats down the Seine River. Hundreds of thousands of spectators watched as 6,800 athletes, wearing plastic ponchos, kept spirits high while traveling down the Seine in a flotilla of 85 boats. This marked the first time the opening ceremony was held outside a stadium, and despite the rainy evening, the spirit and enthusiasm of the athletes, including those from Tonga, were not damped.
Team Tonga sailed down the Seine with flags held high by flag bearers Fe’ofa’aki ‘Epenisa and Alan Uhi, representing Tonga with pride. The delegation includes four athletes who will compete in athletics, boxing, and swimming. Fe’ofa’aki ‘Epenisa is set to make history as Tonga’s first female Olympic boxer. She will compete in the women’s 60kg category on July 27.
Swimmers Alan Lopeti Uhi and Noelani Malia Day will participate in the 100m backstroke on July 28 and the 50m freestyle on August 3, respectively. Maleselo Fukofuka will race in the 100m event at the Saint-Denis stadium.
Despite heavy criticism from Christians worldwide toward certain acts that were part of the opening ceremony calling it a “mockery of the Christian faith”, the event featured a blend of parade and performances, celebrating women athletes and ensuring equal representation for the first time in Olympic history.
