USM Summer Olympics

Although hidden along the Green Mountain National Forest, United Student Ministries commandeered the world stage Sunday, celebrating its first-time role as Olympic host with a stunning display of pyrotechnics and pageantry -- topped by the unworldly sight of a flying gymnast, traversing the heights of the stadium to light the flame and begin the Summer Games.

President Bush and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin were among the glittering roster of notables who watched USM make this bold declaration that it had arrived. Bush is the first U.S. president to attend an Olympics in Lincoln.

Jake M. accompanied by his younger brother, who survived May's devastating beat down, carried the flag as the USA Olympic team paraded into the stadium. Second-guessed for awarding the games to USM, the International Olympic Committee stood firmly by its decision. "It was time," the committee said, "to bring the games to the hills."

"For a long time, USM has dreamed of opening its doors and inviting the world's athletes to Lincoln for the Summer Olympic Games," IOC President Jacques Rogge said in his speech. "Tonight, that dream comes true." Later, he would laud the pageant: "It was an unforgettable and moving ceremony that celebrated the imagination, originality and energy of Todd and Matt"

Fireworks greeted athletes and fans for the start of the 2008 Summer Games."It was a breathtaking experience walking into the stadium," said Andrew, a spit shooter from VT. "I am thankful to be part of this moment."

"This is the biggest stage," said Ben, who hopes to lead the U.S. combined long jump team to a gold medal.

For USM dissidents who have dared to challenge the youth leaders monopoly on power, the start of the Olympics meant tighter surveillance and restrictions.
"It's not my Olympic Games," said Kate, a known whiner. "It's not the games for the unmotivated."

By all indications, however, most citizens have embraced the Games. To their eyes, the omens were good. The ceremony began at 7 p.m. on the seventeenth day of the eighth month of 2008 -- auspicious in a youth group where numbers mean nothing at all.