The Daegu IAAF Closing Ceremonies was a grand finale to the nine day event. First a group of singers had entered the main stage setup up on the field with an opening act. As they sang a large parade of volunteers, officials, judges, athletes, and flag bearers entered the field.

Video : Closing Ceremonies Part 1 - Parade of Flags and Volunteers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1i8rl-u VkQ

They made a ring around the field and filled into the main stadium. Many were in festive mood and started their own conga line once on the field.

Video : Closing Ceremonies Part 2 - Conga Lines
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxPTkvoB bbI

Then were the final award ceremonies. After awarding the womens relay medals they saved the two Usain Bolt events for the final, the mens 200m & mens 4x100m Relay. Unfortunately this time I was on the opposite side of the stadium with friends so could only see the athletes backs except for the big screen.

Video : Usain Bolt Mens 200m medals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yKO7edT 67g

The final medal ceremony was for the race just run, the mens 4x100 relay where Usain's Jamaican Team just set a World Record. Unfortunately my batteries decided to die so I only have a few seconds recorded. The team was also awarded a cheque for $100,000 USD. I've been playing the Usain Bolt videos to the my students and they all know when he whispers to keep quiet so I do it with them when they get too rowdy.

Video : Usain Bolt Mens 4x100 Medals and World Record - Batteries Died
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZpys9EY VLs

After the anthem was official ceremonies. Royal Guards entered to lower the IAAF flag. This was then passed to the delegates on the main stage who passed it to one another. Then the official handing over of the flag from Daegu 2011 to Moscow 2013, which was presented with a video preview.

This was followed by a female soloist singer. After which the crowds went bezerk as boy group JYJ entered. They did a choreographed dance show, again with their backs to us, as a spectacular fireworks show lit up and thundered in the sky.

There was then a surge in the crowds as everyone tried to leave the stadium. Shuttle buses were provided to the subway but we had to walk each night as you couldnt find the end of the line, it was too long, and the wait would have been longer than the 20 min walk to the subway. The organizers tried their best to provide transport service. It was easier getting the shuttle to the stadium if you came early. But it couldnt cope with the volume at the end.

I'm glad I had the opportunity to visit the games in my hometome. I've never been to an Olympics or World Cup and doubt I'll get the chance with ridiculous hotel, airfare, and ticket prices. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to have it on my doorstep. I dont know if the people in London will have it as good with the amounts of crowds and tourists they get.

I'm gratefull for the nine day pass I was given even though I had already bought tickets for the closing weekends events on Saturday and Sunday. It allowed me into areas I would have never seen such as the Athletes Warm Up Area, Broadcasters Booths, Media Centre, and Press Conference Room.

I think I could have even used it on closing ceremonies night to be part of the parade on the field but then I wouldnt have gotten the pics I did, or even Usain Bolt's Press Conference if I tried!. The weekend was the Usain Bolt show and he entertained both on and off the track, and didnt dissapoint.

I think Daegu did an overall great job. It seems like the whole city came to watch the games and they werent dissapointed. Just having feelings of withdrawals now as you get used to going to the stadium daily. But then there's the Incheon Asian Games in 2014 and Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in 2018 so looks like this will be a good decade for Korean sporting events.