The Chef de Missions of several teams have been in the Village for a week already and several flags can be seen from outside the perimeter fence, including Australia's iconic "boxing kangaroo". 

Each team will be greeted upon arrival with an official ceremony where their country's national anthem will be played and their flag raised by members of the British Armed Forces. 

The national anthems of more than 200 countries have been arranged by British composer, conductor and cellist Philip Sheppard and were recorded by the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the world famous Abbey Road Studios.

Using 36 musicians, it took 50 recording hours over six days.

The Ceremonies have been created produced and choreographed by The National Youth Theatre of Great Britain (NYT) who will also perform the shows.

The 70-strong NYT will sing, dance and perform around athletes ensuring they are a part of the welcome event.

"Teams from all over the world are coming to London and the Athletes' Village will become their home throughout the Games," said Sebastian Coe, the chairman of London 2012.

"Some of them will be coming to London for the first time; others will be competing at their first Games so first impressions will count for a lot.

"I have no doubt that The National Youth Theatre will ensure that the Team Welcome Ceremonies will provide the warmest welcome to London and help create an environment for them to prepare for what could be the greatest moment in their sporting careers.

"The playing of anthems is one of the most emotive parts of any Games and it was an incredible moment for me at the Moscow [1980] and Los Angeles [1984] Games."

The official London 2012 anthems can be downloaded by clicking here.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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