David Beckham is part of the Games opener, but watch out for the smog

David Beckham has been given an official role in the Olympic opening ceremony, reports the BBC. Though the former England captain would not give up any details, he did say that he felt ‘honoured’ and ‘proud’ to be involved in the ceremony. London 2012 chief Lord Sebastian Coe jumped at the chance to include Beckham after the footballer’s surprise omission from the GB football squad. “David has been an extraordinary supporter,” Lord Coe said.

The former England footballer confirmed on Tuesday night that he will have a part in the ceremony after he met sporting great Muhammad Ali at the Beyond Sport summit in London.

The opening ceremony is expected to have a final torch relay inside the stadium, as has happened with all recent Olympic Games, with a number of sports stars, former Olympians and others selected for their contribution to the London Games carrying the torch before the flame is lit.

The identity of the person who will actually light the flame remains a closely-guarded secret.

Beckham told ‘I’m excited to be part of such a huge occasion for our country. ‘It’s exciting to have the Games in the east end of London and I’m very honoured to be part of that.’

London 2012 Olympics News: Full Guide to Opening Ceremonies

In just three days, the world will watch as its best athletes compete against each other in the London Olympics. The Games of the XXX Olympiad promise not to disappoint with compelling matchups across the board in nearly every sport.

Before the Olympics can begin, the viewers will be getting a better glimpse of the host city itself. Having also hosted the games in 1908 and 1948, London is now the first city to officially host the modern Olympics three times.

The opening ceremonies are often the most memorable event on the Olympic calendar. Four years ago, the Beijing Olympics took the opening ceremony to another level, creating arguably the most jaw-dropping opening ceremony of all time. This leads to pressure for London as they will try to somehow come close to, or top, what Beijing did in 2008.

The attempt will be in good hands though. Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle and Oscar-nominated director Stephen Daldry are teaming up to direct the ceremonies. They will be directing the largest live show in London ever, with nearly a billion people watching when the TV audience is considered.

London 2012 Olympics News: Quick Facts London 2012 Opening Ceremonies

Date: July 27, 2012

Time: 2 p.m. EST or 7:30 p.m. (tape delay)

TV Channel: NBC, BBC, ARD, ZDF, TF1, TRT, TRT3, RAIUNO, RAISPORT, TVE, MOS, CNN, ABC, ERT1, SKYSPORTS, RTRSPORT, RTR, ORF, MOS

Location: Olympic Stadium, 2012 Olympic Park and Village, London, England.

London 2012 Olympic News:  The Schedule as we Know It

The opening ceremonies main theme will be called “Isle of Wonder.” Boyle has said that this theme was inspired by The Tempest and it’s about a land recovering from its industrial legacy.

The ceremony itself will begin with the ringing of the world’s largest harmonically tuned bell. At 27 tons, this bell was created at London’s Whitechapel Bell Foundry, which was also where Big Ben was made.

With one of the ceremony’s goals being national pride, one of the country’s major celebrities is set to make a appearance. Agent 007, better known as James Bond will be present at the Olympic opening ceremonies.

Bond will appear first in a short film created by the BBC called “The Arrival.” In this film, Daniel Craig will depict Bond being knighted at Buckingham Palace. The action will then move to Olympic Stadium when Craig, or a look-alike stuntman, will either parachute down or ride a rope ladder attached to a helicopter into the stadium, to bring in the Olympic torch.

With the torch lit, the attention will then shift to the opening scene. Called “Green and Pleasant,” this scene will be set in a meadow that includes such famous landmarks as Glastonbury Tor. Animal lovers should make a point to watch this part of the ceremony as it will include real farm animals such as horses, sheep, ducks, geese and cows.

The scene will change as Britain’s history is briefly relived in the stadium. There will be soldiers pouring into the stadium as well as the appearance of chimneys as a nod to the Industrial Revolution.

Sir Paul McCartney is rumored to close off the show with a three song performance. While he plays his songs, 50 dancers will perform in Sgt. Pepper style costumes.

Then the familiar parade of athletes will take place. Every country will come by in alphabetical order with the exception of Greece who goes first and the host country of Great Britain who will enter last.

Speeches will then be given by two important people. The first will be given by Sebastian Coe who is the head of the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The second will be given by Jacques Rogge who is the president of the International Olympic Committee.

Finally, the queen will declare that the Olympics are opened. The torch will be lit, signifying the beginning of the XXX Olympiad. The ceremonies will end with a spectacular fireworks show and the attention will then shift to the first day of competition on Saturday.

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