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HRH Prince Andrew, Duke of York, delivered the opening address at the IAAF World Championships London 2017 at The London Stadium on Friday (4) night.
Speaking before a capacity crowd at the stadium that hosted the athletics events at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, HRH Prince Andrew, Duke of York delivered a message on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II:
“I was delighted to open the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in this very stadium and I know it holds extraordinary memories for competitors and spectators alike.
“Sport has a way of uniting the world and reminds us what amazing things can be achieved when people come together to celebrate the very best of human endeavour.
“I have no doubt that more wonderful memories will be created over the next ten days, and that the performances beginning tonight will serve as an inspiration to people across the world.
“To the athletes, the officials, the volunteers and supporters, the spectators in the stadium and indeed to the millions watching around the world, I send my sincere good wishes for a happy, exciting and hugely successful 2017 IAAF World Championships.
“Good luck to you all.”
Following His Royal Highness’ address, IAAF President Sebastian Coe delivered the official welcome on behalf of Athletics’ world governing body.
"London is where the best athletes of their generation are going to show us all why athletics is the number one Olympic sport," Coe said.
"I would like to salute the legion of people behind the scenes that help (the athletes) realise their dreams," Coe added, mentioning the local organising committee, the Mayor of London, the slew of volunteers, among others.
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan then welcomed the record 2038 athletes from 203 countries competing at the championships, and officially started the IAAF World Championships London 2017.
“It is fitting that this global event should take place in a city as global as ours. A city with an international heritage and an international outlook,” Khan said.
Praising the cosmopolitan spirit of the British capital and the openness of its people, Khan said, "London is open to all, no matter the colour of your skin, the colour of your passport or the colour of your flag."
The programme began with a reallocation ceremony for five 4x400m relay teams and two 400m runners whose finishes at the 2009, 2011 and 2013 World Championships have been upgraded following the disqualification of the results of the original medallists after their sanction for anti-doping rule violations. It was an emotional moment for many of the athletes who finally stood on their rightful podium steps and a moving one for the spectators who expressed their support and congratulations.
The early evening included performances by renowned British soul singer Rebecca Ferguson who sang the national anthem and performed her hit song, “Glitter and Gold”.
The Games Maker Choir, formed by volunteers who participated in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, performed “One Day Like This’ by the artist Elbow, paying tribute to the legacy of the volunteers of those games and to those who will be volunteering at the IAAF World Championships London 2017.
The ceremony was hosted by Iwan Thomas, a former world, European and Commonwealth champion in the 4x400m relay.
Bob Ramsak for the IAAF
