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As soon as any visitors arrived at Keepton's International Airport they were greeted by the mascot of the games, everywhere you looked in the airport terminal you saw Stoffel, some dressed as speed skaters, some with ski's. Children visiting with families often ended up having their photo taken with the people dressed as mascots. As soon as they left the terminal buses were waiting alongside taxis and mini-vans to take people to their accommodation. The city of Keepton was already a hive of activity with big screens in every park and litttle square so that people didn't need to miss any of the games. Every restaurant or bar had posters dedicated to the games. Some even had special themed menus and cocktails for the guests. As the evening began to descend attention turned to Keepton Arena (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EuHPNx4XcAAklJf.jpg) which was more used to hosting rugby than anything from the winter games. While in its own right it wasn't a venue for the Games it was ideal for the opening ceremony.
The crowd had been filtering in. Each of the young kids getting in had an extra stub on their ticket which allowed them to collect one of four special edition stuffed toys in the shape of Stoffel. It was a clever marketing ploy by the characters owners, the kids would probably want the others and a tidy profit should follow. Once everyone was in their seat they found a seat of 3D glasses and soon after the lights in the arena dimmed.
"HIYA!!!!" A loud voice echoed around the arena, "Here...over here." the voice seemed to follow around the stadium before on big screens around the ground the character Stoffel appeared on the screen the 3D glasses giving the impression that he was jumping out the screen. "My names Stoffel. I'm a Honeybadger and I love the snow" he declared. "I'm sooooooo happy that you accepted our invitation. I can't wait to be your friend and see some fun." A short video package played showing some of East Moreland's best known athletes in a Rocky style training montage with the cartoon character. As the video ended lights showed the centre of the arena had an ice rink in it and a skater dressed as the Honeybadger scurried across the arena floor and began to perform a flawless ice dance routine. Once it was over lights turned to the VIP box. First King David and Queen Stasya entered followed by various other VIPS including the Dragon-Emperor and Queen Dandan[1] Once the VIP's were in their seats more entertainment began. This time it was members of the Alpine Cadre from the East Moreland military with a silent precision drill demonstration that saw them form various symbols such as the Games logo, icons representing the events and carrying out intricate crossovers. With almost perfect timing as soon as the drill demonstration had taken place a flyover by a flight of fighter plans spraying a rainbow of colours passed overhead. As the last of their engine roars disappeared into the evening air the anthem of the Games rang out. "Ladies and Gentleman please welcome the athletes of the 2022 Winter Games." As joyful music played a Honeybadger Mascot dressed in the colours of the first nation entered followed by the competitors from that nation. One at a time the nations entered to reactions varying in size based on how well supported they were but even the smallest contingent got a welcoming round of applause, the largest cheer however naturally was for the East Moreland team who were headed by the Archduchess Sophie Harrison-Ironside who was carrying the nations flag proudly. Once the team had finished their lap they waited for the final teams to join them and as each team finished their lap their Honeybadger joined its comrades infront of the VIP box. Once the last one was in place it was the turn of the King to give a welcoming speech.
"I'm delighted to welcome you to East Moreland. Keepton was one of the ancient capitals of our Kingdom and I am proud that for the next few weeks at least it will be the global capital of Winter Sport. I spent many happy days in my youth in Keepton and I'm confident that the hospitality and welcome that you'll receive in this amazing city will show exactly why the games came to East Moreland. We wish each and every athlete the best of luck. We wish all spectators a joyous exprience and we look forward to you leaving us as friends. I am now delighted to declare these games open." As the King finished and the crowd applauded a sleigh appeared being pulled by two horses. In the back of the sleigh stood Carl Thatcher, the first Morelander to win a Winter Games medal and in his hand he held the Games torch. Once the sled had come to a halt he walked the steps that lead up to the VIP box where a large metallic bowl sat before the assembled guests. He bowed to King David and then having joined them from the other side a Stoffel mascot appeared. Stoffel, King David and Thatcher each gripped the torch and extended it towards the bowl. There was a red flare up as the gas ignited and flames symbolising the games began to burn. It was time for the sport to begin.
Medal Table (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1skkY0-siJQoZFcuelCEZDE3Ng5jNJ-UfdmAoEAcmDXQ/edit#gid=0)