XIII Games of Small States of Europe open in Nicosia, Cyprus

The opening ceremony of the XIII Games of Small States of Europe (GSSE) was held at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia on Monday, bringing together the Olympic spirit and the culture of Cyprus.

The event gave a full picture of the diachronic course of Cypriot creation and achievement, and at the same time sent the message for a better world and a better quality of life, through friendship and common creation.

All heads of state of participating countries attended the opening ceremony, as well as many officials from the Olympic Movement, international and European federations, and guests.

The sun, sea and nature of Cyprus were the focus point of the event, laced with music and dance inspired from the island's artistic heritage.

The ceremony included performances by 1,300 children, 300 folk dancers, a group of 20 female dancers, a choir of 300 youths, and the team Echodrasis with the drum performance that was presented at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004.

This was to be followed by the ceremonial part, which included short addresses by the Chairman of the Organising Committee Ouranios Ioannides and Chairman of the Union of European Olympic Committees Patrick Hickey, the entrance of the Games' flag, the hoisting of the flags of Cyprus and the Games, the oath of the athletes and judges, the opening of the Games by President Christofias, the torch procession and the lighting of the cauldron.

This is the second time Cyprus is hosting the Games. The first was in 1989.