2021 Games of Texas opening cermonies cancelled

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (July 24, 2021) Due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) and the City of Corpus Christi has cancelled the opening ceremonies of the Games of Texas.

The opening ceremonies, which were slated for Friday, July 30, would have been attended by competitors, coaches, game officials, and spectators in numbers exceeding 10,000. Officials felt the decision would help reduce the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus.

In addition, TAAF will direct everyone involved in the Games (athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators) to wear face coverings during all events. In addition, social distancing and hand washing/sanitizing will be encouraged. For more information, go to www.taaf.com.

 

Around the Rings: Dress Rehearsal for Beijing Olympic Opening Ceremony

BEIJING, CHINA (August 5, 2008) Below is a clip from CCTV about the dress rehersal for the Opening Ceremonies of the Games of the 29th Olympiad in Bejing.

UPDATE: Video of Olympic Opening Ceremonies Leaked

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 31, 2008) The video clip that was released, then removed for numerous online sources has reappeared.

As of 6:42 PM CDT, the clip had reappeared on YouTube. I have embedded it below. It may not be up for long, so view it quickly.

Video of Olympic Opening Ceremonies Leaked

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 31, 2008) In a major security breach, a Korean journalist gained entry into the Olympic Stadium in Beijing and videotaped a dress rehearsal for the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics.

A Korean television journalist visiting the "Bird's Nest" Olympic Stadium secretly filmed a rehearsal of the opening ceremony.

The video was banned on most sites based in China The video appeared on YouTube late Wednesday evening but was pulled early Thursday.

There were no surprises from the footage shot in the darkened stadium, however it give a glimpse of the lavishness of the 3 1/2-hour opening ceremony with an expected cast of 10,000.

A copy of the video was also posted at LiveLeak.com, however that copy was also removed.

The video clip can be see at Newsradio 1290 WJNO. The video was active as of 5:10 PM CDT today.

The clip may be viewed by clicking here.

OPENING CEREMONY MARKS START OF 2008 Tesoro TAAF GAMES OF TEXAS

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (July 21, 2008) An opening ceremony with a parade of athletes led by the lively rhythm group Samba Vida featuring Olympian Josh Davis and entertainment by Radio Disney's performance troupe will mark the official start of 2008 Tesoro TAAF (Texas Amateur Athletic Federation) Games of Texas. The celebration of Texas athletes will be capped off with the official lighting of the Games of Texas cauldron and a spectacular fireworks display. The opening ceremony is Friday, July 25 at Nelson Wolff Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Admission is open to the public. Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for children and may be purchased at the gate. Stan Kelly, the voice of the San Antonio Spurs, Missions and News Radio 1200, will emcee the evening's affair.

The city will welcome thousands of athletes competing in more than 15 events and participating in the largest multi-sporting event in the State of Texas, July 24-27. The Games are hosted by the San Antonio Sports Foundation and San Antonio Parks and Recreation and are patterned after the Olympic Games, making the Games of Texas the ultimate sports festival for Texas' many amateur athletes. Event tickets, including an all-venue pass or day pass, can be purchased at individual venues.

Amateur athletes may participate in events which don't require qualifying. These include golf, badminton, bowling, fencing, ice hockey, judo, kickball, soccer, and many others. A list of sports can be found at www.SanAntonioSports.org. The web site lists each sport, the sport's coordinator and the entry procedure. The sports will be played in San Antonio's best facilities, parks, and athletic centers.

To find out more information on the 2008 Tesoro TAAF Games of Texas and to register, go to www.SanAntonioSports.org or call the San Antonio Sports Foundation at 210-820-2100.