In a historic opening ceremony for the Paris Olympic Games, the Greek Olympic team, as per tradition, led the parade along the Seine River on Friday.
It was the first time in Olympic history that the parade was held on water, with each nation's delegation aboard its own boat, navigating a six-kilometer route along the iconic river.
Following the Greek delegation was the refugee team, consisting of 37 athletes. The remaining national teams then proceeded in alphabetical order, culminating in a vibrant display of global unity and sportsmanship.
Basketball superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and accomplished race walker Antigoni Ntrismpioti had the honor of serving as Greece's flag bearers during this momentous occasion. The Hellenic Olympic Committee shared their pride and excitement on social media platform X, posting, "Opening ceremony of Paris Olympic Games with Greece first."
This unique and symbolic waterborne parade along the Seine River showcased the rich history and cultural significance of both the Olympic Games and the host city of Paris. It set the stage for an unforgettable Olympic Games filled with competition, camaraderie, and the pursuit of excellence.