1996 Summer Olympics opening ceremony 1996 Summer Olympics opening ceremony The opening ceremony of the 1996 Summer Olympics took place in the evening on Friday 19 July in the Centennial Olympic Stadium, Atlanta, United States. As mandated by the Olympic Charter, the proceedings combined the formal and ceremonial opening of this international sporting event, including welcoming speeches, hoisting of the flags and the parade of athletes, with an artistic spectacle to showcase the host nation’s culture and history. The Olympic cauldron was lit by former gold medalist and boxing champion Muhammad Ali. The ceremony features Award-winning and Grammy Award-time nominated film composer, John Williams, French
Australia at the 1996 Summer Paralympics tours for teams, run training camps and acclimatisation programs and purchase performance improving suits and equipment. The Opening ceremony saw a large explosion of colour, introducing 104 nations across 20 sports, totalling 3529 athletes. Australia was represented by 166 competitors. The opening ceremony saw the mascot (Blaze) flown proudly, signifying strength and survival. There was a very strict and large security presence with the Centennial Olympic Park bombing at the Olympic Games just a month earlier. Libby Kosmala was the flag bearer at the opening ceremony, wheeled by the basketball wheelchair mechanic Graham Gould. Libby has represented Australia at 12