A dancer performs on stage during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore on June 22, 2023. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
SINGAPORE, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The inaugural Olympic Esports Week (OEW) commenced in Singapore on Thursday, marking the beginning of a four-day event where players will compete in the finals of the Olympic Esports Series 2023.
According to the organizers, the Olympic Esports Series 2023 will showcase games from 10 sports, including archery, baseball, chess, cycling, dance, motorsport, sailing, shooting, taekwondo, and tennis. Over 110 players from 64 countries and regions are expected to participate.
In addition to the competitive matches, the audience will have the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in virtual sports and gaming within the free-to-play zone during the esports festival.
During the opening ceremony of the OEW, Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), delivered a virtual speech, encouraging the players by saying, "Dear players, your stage is set, your time to shine is now."
President Halimah Yacob of Singapore extended a warm welcome to the players attending the esports festival in her virtual speech. She emphasized the importance of embracing the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship.
President Yacob announced the launch of the OEW during her address.
The OEW was established by the IOC in collaboration with Singapore's Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, Sport Singapore, and the Singapore National Olympic Council. ■
Esport competitors attend the opening ceremony of the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore on June 22, 2023. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
Singaporean President Halimah Yacob delivers a speech via video during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore on June 22, 2023. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore on June 22, 2023. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
A dancer performs on stage during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore on June 22, 2023. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) delivers a speech via video during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore on June 22, 2023. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) delivers a speech via video during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore on June 22, 2023. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
