STORY: Int’l participants impressed with Beijing 2022 opening ceremony
1. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): KRISTOFFER ROENNEBERG, Journalist, Aftenposten, Norway
2. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ALEX CABRERO, Production and technical personnel, NBCU, U.S.
3. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): FERNANDO HURTADO, Production and technical personnel, NBCU, U.S.
4. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): VLADISLAV ZHUKOV, Journalist, LIFE, Russia
5. SOUNDBITE 5 (English): ALEX CABRERO, Production and technical personnel, NBCU, U.S.
6. SOUNDBITE 6 (English): FERNANDO HURTADO, Production and technical personnel, NBCU, U.S.
STORYLINE:
The Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games officially commenced on Friday. The two-hour opening showpiece with some 3,000 performers impressed overseas participants.
SOUNDBITE 1 (English): KRISTOFFER ROENNEBERG, Journalist, Aftenposten, Norway
“It’s a fantastic thing to watch, very nice colors. Zhang Yimou has done a good job.”
SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ALEX CABRERO, Production and technical personnel, NBCU, U.S.
“What I love about this is just seeing all the countries come together. What is tough and crazy as the world is right now with the Olympics opening ceremony. It’s just nice to see everybody coming together, clapping and being happy. That’s the best part of the opening ceremony for me. I was here in 2008, and I remember the celebration for opening ceremony was amazing. And what an amazing show in 2008, it really showed what China is all about. And it taught us a lot as Americans. I know it’s different this time with COVID and everything, but I mean there are still people clapping and having a good time. So it’s good to see.”
SOUNDBITE 3 (English): FERNANDO HURTADO, Production and technical personnel, NBCU, U.S.
“I think it’s awesome just to see all the cultures and the world come together and it’s so fun to see the different colors too, and what every country brings to the table. And then I’m super happy for the athletes and I’m super happy to be here and witness their victories.
I mean I think it’s a challenge to hold the Winter Games amid a pandemic. I think the most important thing here is that the athletes get to compete. And so far we’re seeing that. So that’s good.
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Happy to attend the first international multi-sport event held as scheduled, they also expressed best wishes for the Games.
SOUNDBITE 4 (English): VLADISLAV ZHUKOV, Journalist, LIFE, Russia
“I guess it would be a great Olympics. We wish China a great Winter Olympics. I think it would be great. It will be great.”
SOUNDBITE 5 (English): ALEX CABRERO, Production and technical personnel, NBCU, U.S.
“I wish that everybody has a good time and it goes well. I hope nobody gets sick. I hope everybody stays safe and I’m looking forward to see what the athletes do.”
SOUNDBITE 6 (English): FERNANDO HURTADO, Production and technical personnel, NBCU, U.S.
“I wish Beijing the best with these Winter Games, the most success. We’re happy to be here and be invited. Athletes, let’s win some gold.”
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Beijing. (XHTV)
