The event started with a celebration show, a focus on the UK anthem. The royal family -- who was present inside an incredibly well-protected cabin -- waved her hand approvingly at some point. After that, they were simply walked out.
That day was reserved for the opening alone. There was a lot more to it than just the presentation of the competitors. There was dancing, music, several shows, the lighting of the fires, and everything else one would expect from an Olympics opening celebration.
Michael would later find out that, in total, there were roughly a thousand empowered students there. The elite minority that had won the national competitions in each country of origin, or in some cases, from an even broader selection. For example, the European Countries had held competitions involving
