Page 141 - LIBRO DEL AÑO.2018_c

IFBB BELT & ROAD 2018
(XI’AN, CHINA)

FIRST ACT: THE OPENING

WHEN the delegations reached the opening ceremony was as dynamic captivated by the splendid
center of the old imperial city, as it was spectacular. In presence presentation equal to the opening
whose 13-kilometer long City Wall of the national TV cameras, local of an Olympic Games, and by the
is one of the best preserved in the authorities, the CBBA and Dr outstanding quality of the host
world, and witnessed the Santonja held brief welcome athletes. “China is already there ...”
deployment of resources offered speeches and proceeded to give was the spontaneous comment of
by the organization, nobody way to the presentation of more an experienced international judge,
noticed that it was raining. While than 50 Chinese athletes from all recognizing that the Asian giant
light and sound enveloped athletes specialties in competition dress, would be a serious candidate for
and spectators, more than 50 showing the world the impressive the medals in each category.
traditionally dressed hostesses led level that these athletes have Delighted by the enormous
the parade of participating reached in just a few years. From spectacle all the delegations
countries’ delegations of athletes, Bodybuilding to Bikini and from returned to their hotels prepared
officials and media, which was Bodyfitness to Men’s Physique - for the sporting confrontation of
followed by President Santonja, the athletes moved around the the following day, whilst not
President Zhang Haifeng and local stage with the precision of a ballet, noticing that it had not stopped
authorities. delighting the audience with their raining ... It is clear that this
With various images projected physiques and their performance. presentation conquered us all!
on the wall as backdrop, the The national delegations were

pEven the rain, present during the official pMr. Zhang Chengang, chairman of Xi’an pA sample of the meticulousness with
opening, could not tarnish the act. The Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation which the CBBA faced the Belt & Road
authorities gave their opening speeches (CBBA member) and IFBB President, 208: all the athletes and officials of
in the open, in front of the public and the Dr. Rafael Santonja; celebrating the China, listening to the national anthem
media, following the established program. successful Belt & Road 2018. during the private meeting they held, in
which the importance of this event for
the country and its sports history was
conveyed to them.
The opening ceremony of the IFBB Belt &
Road 2018 was at the level of an Olympic
event, with a fabulous display of light,
sound and international participation.q

140 2017/2018 BOOK OF THE YEAR