Dixiades 2008: Olympic Torch Burns In Yaounde

By Leocadia Bongben

The Olympic torch is now burning in the capital city as the maiden edition of the National Olympic Games, code named Dixiades, is underway under the theme 'Ten Regions, One Nation.'

In the Olympic tradition, the raising of the flag, the entry of the Olympic flame brought in by Carlos, handed over to Mossima the Cameroonian Olympic flag bearer during the Beijing Olympics, and the final lighting of the giant Olympic torch by Patrick Mboma, the taking of oaths by the athletes and officials, marked the opening of the national Olympic games.

The games were officially opened at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium Wednesday, December 10, and presided at by the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Augustin Edjoa. He was flanked by the Government Delegate of the Yaounde City Council, Gilbert Tsimi Evouna, and the Coordinator of the games, Grègoire Owona.

The tone of the games was set with a choreographic display, with students from Lycee d'Anguisa and Nkoleton thrilling spectators with 'Ten Regions, One Nation', in dance.The various delegations marched pass displaying their cultural identity with the Southwest and the Northwest outstanding in their attire and dance styles that distinguished them from all the other regions.

The ceremony was equally an opportunity for the host town, Yaounde, to recount its history in dance and song titled 'Ongola.' 'Ongola', is a mime, narrating the history of Beti people in the Diaspora whose mode of expression is gesticulations, songs and dance. The mime recounts the travails of Beti people before their final settlement in the town of seven hills Ongola. 

The games officially kicked off Friday, December 12, for basketball, athletics, handball, gymnastics and table tennis.Meanwhile, in the Olympic village there have been complaints of water scarcity and poor feeding. Athletes have been living on bread and rice with watery sauce.There are some hostels without water and this is posing a serious problem for the athletes.