On Sunday 11th September, when the world news were awash with 9/11 memorial ceremonies, here in this corner of Slovakia, the 2011 Canoe Slalom World Championship drew to a close. At the square between the Eurovea Galleria complex, the stage was set for the closing ceremony. No chairs, just the open space, and two camermen in position, waiting for the dignataries to descend upon the waiting crowd. There were a few token security men in de rigeur black gear, but there was an absence of police, which was a good indication of the safety factor.
In this routine, the guys were supposed to be doing canoe slalom. The plot was implausible, and it was difficult to make the connection between Red Indians, a cowboy, and this sport. The slapstick however, was hugely enjoyable, especially when buckets of water were being thrown at the canoe rowers to create the impression that they were battling the waves. 
Another routine somehow brought out this ghost like figure, to the tune of Mozart's Requiem. The connection was tenuous, but hey, the kids seemed to like it, although no one showed any fear of this ghastly image. There was also a sketch about luge, and the central character was some Johnny from Manchester, who had 3 brothers, 5 sisters, and a number of dogs and cats. Frankly, I was amazed at how such a stereotype from north of England was created. Never mind, credibility should not get in the way of enjoyment.
An amateur theatre company was engaged to keep the children and the adults entertained before the medal ceremony. Six men, dressed in veleur jumpsuits and eyes adorned in black kohl in the style of a panda, delivered some comic sketches along various Olympic themes. Here, two guys were doing figure skating - oh yes, the "female" guy dressed in tutu and some crudely made corset. To give the show a touch of audience participation, children were invited to spin a wheel which, when stopped, would yield a number that determined which routine the men would perform. What impressed me was that kids as young as ~5 years of age, could count in English.
In this routine, the guys were supposed to be doing canoe slalom. The plot was implausible, and it was difficult to make the connection between Red Indians, a cowboy, and this sport. The slapstick however, was hugely enjoyable, especially when buckets of water were being thrown at the canoe rowers to create the impression that they were battling the waves. 
Another routine somehow brought out this ghost like figure, to the tune of Mozart's Requiem. The connection was tenuous, but hey, the kids seemed to like it, although no one showed any fear of this ghastly image. There was also a sketch about luge, and the central character was some Johnny from Manchester, who had 3 brothers, 5 sisters, and a number of dogs and cats. Frankly, I was amazed at how such a stereotype from north of England was created. Never mind, credibility should not get in the way of enjoyment.
The award ceremony was saved by three beautiful girls who were dressed in traditional folk costume. They were grace and elegance personified. Some athletes were presented with medals, but some received only bouquets of flowers and a goody bag, courtesy of Adidas, which has a scoop with this product placement. The Slovakians won a few medals and drew loud applauses from the home crowd. There were polite clappings for the Germans, Italians, French, Czech, British, Chinese and Australian medalists.
It was a night of mild, enjoyable, home-made fun.
