Divided into two parts, rites and festivals, the ceremony commenced at 19:00 with the song, "Vietnam– our Fatherland". The surprise appearance of parachutists, carrying the 11 (1)_______flags of the competing Southeast Asian countries, was greeted with thunderous applause from the audience.
All the stadium’s lights suddenly came on, marking the start of the procession of Vietnam’s flag and the 22 ^nd SEA Games; symbol. The 11 sporting delegations then marched past the reviewing stand to excited applause from officials and spectators.
The sacred (2) ______, which symbolizes the humanity of the games and desire to compete with burning intensity, was taken from The Ho Chi Minh Museum and passed by some famous Vietnamese athletes and athletes from 10 regional countries to Nguyen Thuy Hien ( wushu artist) who gave it to the Prime Minister, who in turn passed it to an athlete dressed like national (3) ______ Giong.
From this athlete’s hand, the official flame was lit at My Dinh National Stadium and will burn thoughout the course of the Games.
Speaking at the (4) _______ceremony, Minister-Chairman of the Physical Training and Sports Committee, who is also the head of the 22^nd SEA Games Organizing Board, warmly welcomed Party and State leaders, delegates, domestic and international guests, and 11 sports delegations (5) ______ southeast Asian countries to the 22^nd SEA Games.