“The YOG is where dreams happen. The youth come here to plan their dreams, get ready to take part in the Games when they come of age or prepare for the spectacular life ahead. Everything we are doing now is to welcome these youth and their dreams.”
Chen Weiya, director of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of Nanjing 2014
As the director of the Opening Ceremony of the 10th National Games of the People’s Republic of China in 2005, Chen has treated nationwide audience with a visual feast at Nanjing Olympic Sports Centre. To return to the same venue after nine years as the director of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2nd Summer Youth Olympic Games (Nanjing 2014), Chen felt a greater sense of responsibility. He said: “The main focus of Nanjing 2014 is the communication and growth of the youth. They will receive the positive energy from friendship, affection, encouragement and happiness at the Games. We need to impress them with an Opening Ceremony that is concise yet spectacular, so this great dream of youth may take off.”