Olympics Closing Ceremonies and International Olympic Committee (IOC)

The Olympic Games are steeped in tradition, and that is as it should be. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is in charge of all aspects of the Olympic Games no matter what country is the host nation. The IOC is charged with keeping the Olympic Games fair, above reproach, and nonpolitical in nature. The host nation can plan events, but those events must be approved by the IOC. The host nation can include additional segments to the opening and closing ceremonies provided the plans are approved by the IOC.

The opening ceremony is marked by a parade of athletes separated by the countries which they represent. The Olympic flag is raised, and the Olympic fire is lit. The games are played. The contests are held. Winners are declared and medals are awarded, all according to the rules as specified by the IOC.

When the last Olympic event has been completed (usually the men's marathon), the closing ceremony commences. The president of the IOC gives a speech in which he calls for the athletes of the world to prepare and gather together again in four years to compete in the next Olympic Games.

There is a trumpet fanfare, and the Olympic fire is extinguished. The Olympic anthem is played and the Olympic flag is slowly lowered. The athletes then enter the stadium again but this time as a group without the designations of country or flag. They circle the track and exit the stadium. When the last athlete exits the stadium, the Olympic Games are over.

An interesting note: It was customary until 1956 for the athletes to circle the stadium in groups divided by the nations they represented until 1956. A Chinese teenager who lived in Australia at the time suggested that the athletes be allowed to mingle without country designation during the final parade. That idea was accepted by the IOC and today there is no national division as the participating athletes circle the stadium for the final time.