The athletes from Greece enter first in honor of the original Olympics held in Greece. Then, the other athletes follow by nation in the alphabetical order of the host country s language. The host country s athletes come last. This year the athletes from Australia will enter the stadium last. The chief of state of the host country will proclaim the games open, followed by the raising of the Olympic Flag.
Music is played and fireworks usually are set off in salute.
Then, doves are released into the air as a symbol of peace. Runners in cross-country relays bring in the Olympic torch. The running of the torch begins four weeks before the Olympic ceremony begins and thousands of runners take part in this. The torch is transported by planes and ships to each country that lies between Greece and the host nation. The most exciting moment of the Olympic ceremony is when the torch enters the stadium and lights the Olympic Flame.