Signifying the official start of the Guadalajara 2011 Pan American Games, the organizing committee put on a spectacular show for athletes and spectators alike at Friday’s (Oct. 14) Opening Ceremony at Omnilife Stadium – home of local soccer club Chivas.

Festivities included an interactive light display, singing, folkloric Mexican dance, fireworks and, of course, the traditionally inspiring parade of athletes and lighting of the torch. The cauldron was lit by Paola Espinosa, who won a bronze medal in diving at the Beijing Olympic Games, while Enriqueta Basilio, who made history by being the very first woman to light the Olympic Cauldron at the1968 Games in Mexico City, was one among several Olympians to carry the torch into the stadium.

“The Opening Ceremony was incredible in so many ways,” said Kim Rhode (El Monte, Calif.), four-time U.S. Olympic medalist in shooting. “It was a wonderful representation of the pride and culture of Mexico and it made me even more excited for the Games to begin.”

With true American spirit, all countries were cheered upon entering the stadium, but the crowd erupted as the host country, Mexico, walked into the limelight. Also in attendance were Mexican President Felipe Calderon and International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge.

More than 6,000 athletes will compete in the two-and-a-half week competition and Team USA adds 617 to the mix. While the entire U.S. delegation has not yet arrived, close to 200 Team USA athletes marched in the Opening Ceremony.

The first U.S. wrestling team to arrive will be the Greco-Roman team, which will be in Guadelajara on Monday.

The U.S. will send 15 wrestlers to compete in Guadalajara, with six men’s freestyle athletes, six Greco-Roman athletes and three women’s freestyle athletes. Greco-Roman will be held October 20-21, with women’s freestyle on October 22 and men’s freestyle on October 23-24.

RAISING THE FLAG

The U.S. flag was raised Thursday (Oct. 13) at the Pan American Village, signifying Team USA’s official welcome to America’s Fiesta.

Several U.S. government and U.S. Olympic Committee officials attended the ceremony, including the U.S. consul general in Guadalajara, Daniel Keller; USOC President Larry Probst; USOC Secretary General Scott Blackmun; and Alan Ashley, USOC chief of sport performance and Chef de Mission of Team USA.

“It’s always fantastic to see the U.S. flag raised, especially here in Guadalajara,” said Ashley. “The organizing committee has put together a nice village, where I’m sure our athletes, coaches and staff will have a great home these next couple weeks.”

Also in attendance were approximately 50 Team USA athletes from the sports of modern pentathlon, shooting, softball, swimming and team handball.

USA Daily, a pdf newsletter, will be published each day of the Pan American Games. TheMat.com will post these newsletters so U.S. fans can follow the action.