Berlin launched the proceedings of the 12th World Championships in Athletics, which it is hosting from 15-23 August, with competitions held at Berlin’s famous Olympic Stadium .. The ceremony, held in front of the “Brandenburg” Gate, saw high-level international, official and public attendance, represented by Klaus Wowereit, mayor of Berlin, Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee, Secretary General Lamine Diack, president of the IAAF, Dahlan Al Hamad, vice president of both the IAAF and the Asian Athletics Association, Abdullah Al Zaini, president of the Qatar Athletics Federation, Adel Al Baker, head of the mission of our national athletics team, and the rest of the members of the Qatari delegation taking part in the World Championships in Athletics. The ceremony included cultural and musical performances, and German, European and international folk performances embodying the succession of civilisations. Many German and European art stars took part in the ceremony, among them German singer Patrice and British pop musician Nigel Kennedy, who together lit up the sides of the famous gate with songs beloved by younger generations .. ”
Mayor of Berlin stresses the importance of sportsmanship .
The patron of the opening ceremony, mayor of Berlin Klaus Wowereit, delivered an opening speech at the start of the celebration .. expressing the happiness and pride of the German people and the city of Berlin in hosting the global sporting event, and said, addressing the assembled crowds, that he hoped to see sporting feats that would capture the 
attention and hearts, adding that they wanted to see world records set, good sporting conduct and peaceful competition, wishing everyone success in the competitions and an enjoyable time in the German capital, Berlin ..
