With or Without Tickets, the Olympics Can Be Fun (February 17) On February 7, the day of the Opening Ceremony for the Nagano Winter Olympic Games, Minami Nagano Sports Park was filled with people ready to see the spectacle. Even people who didn't have tickets to get into the arena for the ceremony came, taking pictures of themselves in front of the stadium and getting a taste of the Olympic spirit that day. Even without tickets for the events, there is plenty to see at the Games. The athletes hold open practices in between the events, and lots of fans go to watch them perfect their moves. The White Ring rink, where figure-skating competitions are held, is especially popular, with many people coming to see skaters from around the world as they practice their routines. Fans are enjoying the Olympic Games in all sorts of ways. (Shinonoi Nishi Middle School: Hanae Yoshida)

Huge crowds showed up for the Opening Ceremony. Practice sessions are almost as popular as the actual events.

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