Jack Trelawny School Author Blog: London Olympics 2012 - Opening Ceremony

London Olympics 2012 - The Opening Ceremony - Seven young athletes chosen to light the flame

The seven young athletes chosen to light the Olympic Flame

The Queen declared the London Olympics officially open tonight, before seven young athletes were given the honour of lighting the ceremonial flame.

The Queen on way to helicopter with James Bond

The Opening Ceremony show featured British celebrities and sportspeople, including David Beckham and

David Beckham

Bradley Wiggins rings the Giant Bell

Bradley Wiggins, and screen characters Mr Bean and James Bond.

Mr Bean

In a speech watched around the world, Games chief Jacques Rogge said: "The Olympic Games are coming home tonight."

Chris Hoy with GB flag

Flag-bearer Sir Chris Hoy earlier led out Team GB to cheers and applause.

The identity of who was to light the symbolic flame was shrouded in secrecy ahead of the ceremony.

David Beckham with the flame on speedboat

The flame made a dramatic arrival via the Thames on a speedboat carrying Beckham,

Sir Steve Redgrave with flame before he handed it to the young athletes

who handed the torch to Sir Steve Redgrave, who then handed the flame to the young athletes.

The seven teenagers light the flame

Then the group of seven teenagers, chosen by British Olympic champions, each lit a single tiny flame on the ground, igniting 205 petals, one for each competing nation or territory.

Long stems then rose towards each other to form a cauldron, signifying unity.

Let the games begin!

IDEA: True stories like this can give you ideas for your own stories. Imagine you were one of the seven young people chosen to light the flame. Find out all you can about what happened at the opening ceremony, and the seven teenagers who lit the flame, and then write a story in which you are one of the seven.