SALT LAKE CITY (voa) – All that glitters is not gold … or silver … or bronze at the Salt Lake City Olympics. The medal award ceremonies themselves are adding glitz to the 19th Winter Games.
Instead of fans watching athletes receive their medals immediately after the events, this Olympiad features an awards presentation ceremony, complete with acrobats, dancers and rock bands.
An estimated 20,000 people gathered Saturday for the first night-time awards spectacular in Olympic Medals Plaza in downtown Salt Lake City.
As the lights dimmed, acrobats descended from a huge arch. They were joined by dancers and the Dave Mathews rock band. Fans were treated to a videotape review of the day’s Olympic action, and only then were the athletes presented their medals. Bronze came first, then silver, finally the gold, in an effort to highlight the achievements of the runners-up.
To attract crowds to the presentation ceremonies, Olympic organizers have brought in such performers as Macy Gray, Sheryl Crow and ‘N Sync. The entertainers are working for much less than their usual fees and, in contrast to the steep ticket prices for all other Olympic events, the awards ceremonies are free and open to all.
