The Stockholm Ice Festival in Sweden commenced on the 6th, marking the official start of a series of events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Stockholm Olympics.
The ice festival was held that afternoon at an open-air stadium converted into an ice rink in the eastern part of Stockholm. It is adjacent to the main stadium of the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. The site was divided into different zones such as hockey, figure skating, and speed skating. Hundreds of local residents took to the ice for a spin during the free public session.
Margareta Björk, Speaker of the Stockholm City Council, cut the ribbon at the centennial commemorative event. She expressed hope that the series of activities would spark greater interest in physical exercise among the public, especially young people.
Later, members of the Swedish national figure skating team and performing artists treated the audience to dazzling performances including figure skating routines, ice shows, and ice disco, earning rounds of applause and cheers.
The Stockholm Olympics were held in July 1912 as the fifth modern Summer Games, with over 2,500 athletes from 28 countries participating. Its main stadium, the Stockholm Olympic Stadium, was built that same year and is still in use today.
It is reported that the centennial commemorative events of the Stockholm Olympics are jointly organized by the Swedish Olympic Committee, the Stockholm Municipality, and other entities, featuring more than 100 activities throughout 2012.
