Olympic Games officially open, Dominica represented

Dominica’s flag at the opening parade

The opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games took place on Friday in London, officially marking the beginning of the 16-day event.

Dominica’s small contingent participated in the opening parade, waving the island’s flag proudly.

Dominica is being represented by Erison Hurtault and Luan Gabriel.

Gabriel will compete in the 200 meters race women while Hurtault in the 400 meters.

The ceremony comes at the end of a day that has seen the Olympic torch complete its 70-day odyssey around Britain and Ireland.

Bells also rang out across the UK as the final countdown to the start of the 2012 Olympics began.

The Opening Ceremony is just the beginning. For the next 16 days there will be incredible, inspiring tales of endeavour and achievement.

Dominicans at home and abroad should be proud that our small island is being represented at such a prestigious event.

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102 Comments

  1. Pusina
    July 30, 2012

    Lord it was a great experience to be in the stands and hear and see Dominica in London. Whosss..the queen is of to Barbados then Antigua to Judge a show..Busy schedule.

  2. Smh
    July 30, 2012

    watching this comforted my heart with a smile on my face.I love my country despite whatever !

  3. Proud
    July 30, 2012

    I was so excited to see our beautiful flag flown high! It truly warmed my heart.

    Good luck to our two athletes. Stay focused and make us all even more proud.

  4. goldie
    July 29, 2012

    Bless my heart. I am so proud of my country.Just seeing you all in the opening ceremony brought great joy to me. Go out there Ericson and Luan and make our country proud.

  5. belle
    July 29, 2012

    Proud to see DA represented! Go team Dominica!!!

  6. Corbo
    July 29, 2012

    Moins haillay hooray leh moins weh flag nous.

  7. smoothie
    July 29, 2012

    little is much if God is in it.be strong and courageous and do it, TEAM DA.

  8. Anonymous
    July 29, 2012

    We are there and that counts for a lot. And I was especially happy that The D/can Republic came right after so hopefully more people know it’s two different countries.

    Go Team Dominica and do your Best!! I’ll definitely be cheering..

  9. Nostalgia
    July 28, 2012

    Let’s not depend on the government to do every thing for us. It is time that we who are able take the initiative and come together to do something for our young people ( our future leaders)we can start by sponsoring them, encouraging and motivating them with kind words, instead of criticizing and putting them down. Let us hold the hands of our young people, let’s build them up. They are our future leaders you know!!!!!!. Let us lead by example. Be blessed

  10. No Name 2
    July 28, 2012
  11. tourism major
    July 28, 2012

    well you see when the government do nothing for us and back then in my time when it had pull strings to see who will represent da all dis cause the best athletes like me to drop out. i was the best female athlete da ever had and because of pull string n preference i drop out but i will tell luan gd luck and do ur best out there… wish i had the passion again to run but i don’t… read up on sheena bazil one of Dominica best female athlete back then. they would call her bullet girls was scared to run with her she was that fast. she to could have made it to the top but Dominica government and the ppl in-charge of the athletics commit have to much preference.

  12. rude boy
    July 28, 2012

    when me get online tonight there was so proud to see this beautiful flag of dominica in the opening of the Olympic in london feel so good for my country even i dont live there its my home land for ever

  13. eh heh!
    July 28, 2012

    me and my mom yelled so loud when we saw dominica! i am veryyyyy proud! im praying that you guys get a medal (gold would do just fine)! lolol

  14. reds
    July 28, 2012

    I am willing to give some fashion advice to represent us better. I believe a green jacket a white shirt, black slacks and a madras kerchief would have been ideal for the men and the woman a white wob dwiyet with a madras fular and tete’ cassay would have been ideal. (Excuse the spelling) then we would have been real classy at such a prestigious event. I’m just saying but needless to say proud Dominica was represented in full effect.

  15. SHAWTY
    July 28, 2012

    Foward we go and we are always striving to be the BEST… GO DA GO

  16. lapte
    July 28, 2012

    I am extremely proud of our representatives at the olympics…Go DA…shout out to my former teacher…Felix Wilson ( SIFOCOL )

  17. B-dawg
    July 28, 2012

    There was not only the flag, what about the costumes? I just loved the way they were dressed. I will look in the dictionnary to get a word describing what I saw. Ooh shush, I am a proud lover of this beautiful flag also!! The commentator said, “It s not the DR but it’s an island between the two French islands,where the forest has never been burnt or destroyed. I was all swollen with pride. My dear fellows D/cans, please help me to love my country more!!!

  18. nature Girl
    July 28, 2012

    DNO I watched the ceremony again and the commentator made the comment that Dominica is the most unspoiled island in the Caribbean! I think you should print this as it is awesome!!

  19. The King of Itassi
    July 28, 2012

    I AM VERY PROUD TO BE A DOMINICAN!
    MWEN AIME PAYS MON!

  20. Setup
    July 28, 2012

    I pray that those athletes do their best and bring back a medal…May Jehovah bless their efforts. Dominica’s beautiful flag, looking majestic. I feel so proud .

  21. J......
    July 28, 2012

    watched from the sofa. big cheer from us when the flag went past. everyone looked fantastic. big smiles. commentator said Dominica one of the last unspoilt islands in the Caribbean. felt very proud of our adopted country. Wishing you all the best of luck. You go guys for Dominica.

  22. July 28, 2012

    Seeing the beautiful flag of my nation and the national wears parading on, tears ran down my faces,proud to be a Dominican, home is where the heart is, none to compare with the nature isle

    All the best

    • yesaye
      July 30, 2012

      Roger that…all now tears of joy are streaming down my eyes…Dominican pride

  23. an
    July 28, 2012

    so proud to be Dominican, got goose bumps on seeing the flag, good luck to the guys, make us proud, the government needs to invest more in sports, the are lots of talent in Dominica, but there is no support for them, it should also start from an early age.

  24. hope
    July 28, 2012

    Yea Yea Yea…… i screaming out loud for my country. Go Dominica

  25. KISS ME
    July 28, 2012

    o my GOD see that made me so happy for Dominica. go da go

  26. sunshinegual
    July 28, 2012

    An extremely proud moment for me looking at the Dominican contingent walking by. You guys looked stunning. Woow! Luan and Erison go do you best. Represent to the max. Coach Joel I know you take your role of coach seriously so hats off to you too. Mr. Wilson keep up the good work. Go Team DA!!!!!!!

  27. AA
    July 28, 2012

    Was our PM there? didn’t see him.

    • ZUMA
      July 28, 2012

      whats that about the pm??’was obama there and chavez. gosh get a hobby

    • yesaye
      July 30, 2012

      He didnt have to be there …the president was there and he is the head of state

  28. July 28, 2012

    Onward, Forward Dominica. All the best Team Dominica.

  29. Dominican767
    July 28, 2012

    Good luck Dominica! But does anyone know what happened to chris lloyd? Why isn’t he there? He was part of dominica’s team Dominica all the other times, including the last Olympics, the 200m & 400m runner

    • Malatete
      July 28, 2012

      Athletes must qualify in order to participate. Erison Hurtault did not make the U.S.A. team but qualified for Dominica at the lower Olympic standard, level B. for example. You can not just turn up and say:”I’m going to run for Dominica”.

    • Dominica
      July 28, 2012

      Chris lloyd got hurt in a track meet earlier this year

    • fed up
      July 29, 2012

      ask the government…they were not the ones who sent him the last time

  30. nature Girl
    July 28, 2012

    Fantastic I was so proud being Dominican watching our flag being carried high and the fact that the commentator actually said that Dominica is the most unspoiled island in the Caribbean! A lump in my throat indeed! Good luck Erison Hurtault and Luan Gabriel. We know you will do us proud! :-P

  31. Sheena
    July 28, 2012

    I’m proud. Tears came to my eyes…. Maybe i miss Dominica .

  32. tracoe 75
    July 28, 2012

    proud of DOMINICA was at the park watching the big screen and when that flag came up u should know my voice was the loudest i was even shouting out do us proud dominicans even if we were the smallest with little representation but our vibrant colours said it all wooop woop

  33. there
    July 28, 2012

    I felt very proud when the commentator said it was the only island in the Caribbean which was un spoiled. I made everyone sitting around me know I was from there. I wish the guys good luck wish I could get my hands on a ticket to go cheer for them.

  34. Faceup
    July 28, 2012

    Being at the opening event last night enjoying this majestic ocasion, wondering if Dominica was going to be there,and to my surprise, i saw my island flag proudly waving in the parade,i jumped up shouting saying I LOVE YOU DOMINICA crying with joy, etc, etc, WoW,i am proud to be from the Comonwealth of Dominica

  35. dominican canadain
    July 28, 2012

    proud to be a dominican that was so beautiful to see our flag flying in such a big event i was so happy go da go

  36. RightMind
    July 28, 2012

    Brilliant and so very Dominican I hope this comment does not get rejected

  37. Do Not Object (DNO)
    July 28, 2012

    Is Mr.Wallace accompanying Ms.Gabriel as her coach?

    • eh heh!
      July 28, 2012

      thats a dam good question!!!!!! she did say she did not want to go anywhere without him! Nabi can go small island but not London?! wth! grrrr!

  38. michel Bousselaire
    July 28, 2012

    To complete DNO whith did a little too much short :
    Two athletes Dominican pure juce! Erison Hurtaut, US citizen, but Father from Laplaine, mother from Grand fond. Luani Gabriel Born in Roseau in 1996 ! living inD.A…Great future promissed to this young lady.

  39. da gyal
    July 28, 2012

    man you should hear me and my sister scream when dominica came up. lol! we are waiting to be made proud. Good luck!

  40. speaking logic
    July 28, 2012

    wonderful DA….most beautiful Flag in the world….

  41. Saysay
    July 27, 2012

    Was watching at work. There I go screaming my country, my country. My coworkers thought I was going crazy.

  42. Me
    July 27, 2012

    I can’t be 100% happy when none of the olympians representing Dominica were bourne Dominicans (as was reported by DNO earlier today). What is the Government doing for sports in Dominica? Nothing. That is why our youths are consumed by crime and drugs. Hate to say it like that but that’s the way it is.

    • Dominican
      July 28, 2012

      So what’s your point?

      • Me
        July 28, 2012

        My point is that our government should do much more to advance sports in Dominica to help with the crime and drug problem amoung our youths.

    • cadencelypso
      July 28, 2012

      with our hills and valleys we could have the best marathoniens and track and field athletes.once again sports and culture are the most poorly represented secteurs in dominica.it’s something that can boost the economy.all the same proud to see we are represented.

    • Dominican Student
      July 28, 2012

      some people just never happy …… it is a step in the right direction maybe for the next Olympics we’ll get some people who actually live in Dominica maybe seeing our flag up there might actually give them hope u have to creep before you walk ….. one step at a time

    • Sushi
      July 31, 2012

      Did you listen to this year’s budget presentation? Reality check. The country can hardly raise the money to pay our domestic bills. Other people educate our youth for us (as in scholarships); other people give us their taxpayers dry money (grant aid); so why can’t they train our sportsmen for us again … ?? By the way, the athletes are both true-blooded Dominicans, and Luan is a student at Isaiah Thomas Secondary School at St. Joseph. Thank You.

  43. UKObserver
    July 27, 2012

    i did not notice the high jumper on the team….Brendon Williams i think is his name

    • Mouth of the Youth
      July 30, 2012

      He didn’t qualify. He missed the mark by a few centimeters.

      • UkObserver
        July 30, 2012

        A few centimeters 8-O .that’s so sad.

  44. Kisstycream
    July 27, 2012

    Who say we cant do it big am so proud to be a Dominican.

  45. Anonymous
    July 27, 2012

    Who say we cant do it big am so proud to be a Dominican.

  46. Proud Dominican
    July 27, 2012

    that is what the government has to invest in bring back the sport get our kids dreaming big again so that they spend less time idle. sport will give them something to do it will help reduce the crime and violence in the country

  47. Dominica2DBone
    July 27, 2012

    YES I LUAN IM SO EXCITED TO SEE THIS IM GETTING GOOSE BUMPS JUST HEARING ABOUT THIS LUAN MY GIRL IM PROUD OF YOU MAKE DOMINICA AND YOUR FAMILY PROUD I HAVE FAITH IN YOU YOU’RE A HARD WORKER LULU :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

  48. love da
    July 27, 2012

    I felt disappointed seeing about four to five people representing our beautiful da.
    The government should use the tax payers money to send more people to the games instead of playing the with the peoples money.

  49. SMOKEY
    July 27, 2012

    way dominica make us proud and give it your best shot

  50. cookies
    July 27, 2012

    Just having our small contingent representing… Oh gosh…that’s great. We are so proud. GO TEAM DA!!!!

  51. vetline vigilant
    July 27, 2012

    I wish the athletes all the best in the games.Make us proud

  52. dominicanpearle2
    July 27, 2012

    So, so proud. Go DA.

  53. Citizen
    July 27, 2012

    Go LUAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  54. Dominican
    July 27, 2012

    That’s what we should be talking about.Dominica at large.Guys you two have already gotten an honor just by having our(dominican)flag flying high in London at the 2012 Olimpics.All the best to both of you.

  55. my sweet dominica
    July 27, 2012

    i missed the opening,lost track of time . but i can only imagine how proud Dominicans were to see our beautiful flag being flown and carried proudly. Good luck to the guys and hope next one, we will have more athlete . Please coaches take note of the next generation, and we Dominican need to invest in the new generation of athletes .

  56. Nudibranch
    July 27, 2012

    Do us proud.

  57. bomboclat
    July 27, 2012

    allu still not makin it to de finals cah mem!!!!

    • Dominican
      July 27, 2012

      Your name speaks for itself…Pure Jealousy and hate..by the fruits you shall know them.Them Anti-Government.

    • dominican
      July 27, 2012

      it is not all about making it to the finals . u see is about the unity and peace that sports brings to all mankind. please iif you can’t say something good and positive about a positive idea just shut up and you will be blessed. have a good day may your common sense guide you . that is if you have any.still i wish you peace.

    • ideal
      July 27, 2012

      wether we make it to the finals or not we are proud of our small team. just being there is winning enough for us if you are not Dominican was your country represented?.why dont youkeep your thoughts to yourself.. go Dominica go we love you ..

    • Mango-Bab
      July 27, 2012

      Your pen name says all about you . Cho!!!

    • Rochelle
      July 27, 2012

      thanks for the encouragement. now they gan make it! :D

    • dominicani
      July 28, 2012

      Hope u do fool

    • omg
      July 28, 2012

      If u can’t say something good, don’t say anything at all. I know they are going to make us proud. Thumbs up to you guys :-D

    • July 28, 2012

      bomboclat, the name goes with you. You are sickening.very low minded.

    • Proud Domincan
      July 28, 2012

      Our beautiful country and lovely people can do without “good for nothings” like you.

    • hmmmmm
      July 28, 2012

      people like u should be banned from posting on DNO…u sound like a dam fool who never got no motivation and upliftment from your parents..it seems as if everytime you would try n do something yor parents would kick u back right down to the floor thats y u coming n show ur bad ways here for the world to see…If they dont make it to the finals at least they reached somewhere and we are still proud…unlike u that have to stay where u are and rottttttt….is ppl like u that does try n pull DCA to the gutters…but we will still rise even if fools like u just stay and criticise and yall cya do better……smfh

  58. true dominican
    July 27, 2012

    DOMINICA LARGE!!!!!!!!!! ALL THE BEST

  59. bonny1
    July 27, 2012

    good luck, am proud of you

  60. Stoosh
    July 27, 2012

    Go Team Dominica!! Proud of you guys. Make us proud

  61. TOO PROUD!!
    July 27, 2012

    proud of you lulu… your biggest fan….go team DA!!

  62. July 27, 2012

    Was at a cafe cheering when I saw our beautiful flag at the parade, people at the cafe came up to me asking me about Dominica and complimenting our beautiful flag. Let’s go guys!!!!! Make us proud and most of all Best of Luck

  63. observer
    July 27, 2012

    when we all should support our own, not one single comment but when to redicule and take part in things that do not concern us, both the educated and uneducated ones have so much to say. thats why u all will never move forward. shame on u all

    • BRAIN DAMAGE
      July 27, 2012

      If I could give you 1000 dislikes……….

    • Sunny
      July 27, 2012

      Why didn’t u just wait at least an hour for the comments to be read and accepted by Admin before u open your big mouth!! Tell me… how did u feel after u saw all the comments that were already posted before yours, stupes!! You spell “ridicule” wrong… you welcome!! :wink: :mrgreen:

  64. proud
    July 27, 2012

    love it! big up d.a!!!

  65. July 27, 2012

    NICE now thats what seem right instead of the Labour Day complaints.

  66. D/can abroad
    July 27, 2012

    jus looking at the opening and saw my flag flying high but i realise the camera only took a glance at the smaller countries :-? anyways im still happy

    • dominican canadain
      July 28, 2012

      i said the same there very true

    • Proud Domincan
      July 28, 2012

      I don’t know which country you live in or which station you look at,but I live in the U.K and the commentator had a good enough bit to say about Dominica, including -“isle of beauty, isle of splendour. One of the Caribbeans great untouched islands”. That’s enough to make me proud – proud of my country, proud of my people.

  67. me
    July 27, 2012

    I wish you all the best of good luck. Go guys try
    to do your best.

  68. ice
    July 27, 2012

    WE SHALL RISE TO THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FLAG IN THE WORLD

  69. Anonymous
    July 27, 2012

    i’ve got chills and i am so so proud to be a Dominican

  70. DOMINICA
    July 27, 2012

    VERY PROUD MOMENT AS USUAL.

    Our flag is so unique

    • DOMINICA
      July 27, 2012

      OH YES!!!!!

    • dominicani
      July 27, 2012

      I love this flag so very much. A German guy offered to buy it from me s few years back.
      Let us use it more often

      • SHAWTY
        July 28, 2012

        THIS IS THE MOST OUTSTANDING FLAG IN THE WORLD…

  71. Anonymous
    July 27, 2012

    VERY PROUD MOMENT AS USUAL

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