RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - The Opening Ceremonies of the 2007 Pan American Games took place Friday night at Maraca?a Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The XV Pan American Games will feature 5,654 athletes from 42 nations competing in 37 sports. The Pan American Games continue through July 29.
USA Athlete Quotes from the Opening Ceremonies of the 2007 Pan American Games:
Chantel Jones (Charlottesville, Va.), Soccer (Goalie) "When we first started walking through the tunnel, I couldn't really see how many people were in the stands, but once we entered the stadium, I was shocked. It took my breath away. I have never seen that many people in one place before, it was definitely the most amazing thing I've ever seen. I got chills when we were marching through and it made me realize that I was a part of something that was much bigger than just a soccer tournament. It was the coolest thing I've ever seen."
Roger Kiescchnick (Rockwall, Texas), Baseball (Outfield) "The Opening Ceremonies was absolutely amazing. It was the best experience that I've ever had. Our team was just one row behind the U.S. flag so it felt like we were really representing the USA. I've never walked into a stadium that big with so many people watching me before. I'm getting excited to play some games. We're going for the gold!"
Erika Figge (Long Beach, Calif.), Water Polo (Attacker) "That was really cool. You can just tell how proud and excited Brazil is to have the Pan Am Games here. All the volunteers and the spectators were so enthusiastic; the energy was amazing. I think we all had goose bumps when we walked in and saw all the people there."
Haley Dunn (Eddyville, Iowa), Shooting (Skeet) "I had no idea how big the Opening Ceremonies would be. It was an awesome show! The whole display was pretty extravagant. I just got to Brazil today and am so glad that I was able to go to the Opening Ceremonies. I'm so happy to be here!"
Lauren Cahoon (Jacksonville, Fla.), Taekwondo (Female Middle / Heavy) "I thought the Opening Ceremonies was really cool. Everyone had a great time and the fireworks were awesome. I don't usually get into fireworks, but these were great. It made me feel like I'm ready to compete. I'm just really excited to be here."
Heather Petri (Orinda, Calif.), Water Polo (Attacker) "I actually thought it was incredible. It was one of the best Opening Ceremonies I've ever been to. The theme of the ceremony was energy, and I definitely thought it exuded that. With all of the dancing and just how truly Brazilian it felt, it was amazing and so much fun."
Jessica Steffens (Danville, Calif.), Water Polo (Defender) "Just walking in from the very beginning was amazing. Our team got to walk in the front of the U.S. delegation, and with all of the music and the cameras going off it was more than I could have expected."
Andrew Bolton (Old Lyme, Conn.), Rowing (Lightweight Men's Four) "It started with the bus ride to the stadium and the crowds that lined the streets. They were very welcoming and happy to see us. Inside the stadium, it was a very festive atmosphere. Marching in was an amazing experience - the energy and the number of people was impressive. We were sitting right next to the flame when they lit it, and you could feel the heat!"
Eva Lee (Orange, Calif.), Badminton (Women's Singles / Women's Doubles / Mixed Doubles) "Wow! That was like a once in a lifetime experience. It was amazing and so well put together. The flame was really neat too. We were sitting right next to it and when they lit it we were like, 'Whoa, that's hot,' but we were kind of cold so it warmed us up. It's neat how it looks like the sun. The whole ceremony was just awesome!"
Howard Bach, (San Francisco, Calif.) Badminton (Men's Singles / Men's Doubles / Mixed Doubles) "It was pretty amazing. It was very well organized and well managed. The atmosphere was amazing and the energy of the crowd is great momentum to get the Games started. It's such a great feeling to be there and be a part of it. It was breathtaking!"
Jamie Crombie (Cincinnatio, Ohio), Squash (Men's Individual / Team) "It was absolutely amazing and incredible. This is my third Games and this was by far the best Opening Ceremonies I've seen. Everything was very professionally done. The lighting ceremony was just fantastic. I was sitting right next to it and it was really cool."
Michelle Quibell (Washington, D.C.), Squash (Women's Individual / Team) "It was just awesome. I thought the whole ceremony was fabulous. It was a great experience. I will never forget it."