The 2024 Paris Olympics started at a bridge crossing the Seine. Blue, white, and red smoke shot up from the bridge like fireworks, the colors of the French flag. Usually, the Olympic athletes walk into the Olympic stadium carrying the flags of their countries, but this year was different. Each country had its own boat for a 6-kilometer boat ride down the Seine to the Eiffel Tower. The Greek team went first because Greece is where the games started. Although it rained, everyone looked very happy. The athletes stood up in their boats and waved to the crowds along the river. There were singers and dancers using Paris’ old buildings to celebrate its history. Celine Dion was the last performer at the Eiffel Tower, and she sang a great French love song with all her heart. What an opening show it was!   (142 words)