Ivanka Trump will lead the Olympics' Closing Ceremony, known for 'party-like atmosphere'
Ivanka Trump will lead the U.S. delegation in PyeongChang for the 2018 Winter Olympics “in a contagious party-like atmosphere” of sports, music, and celebrity, according to the Olympics.
According to CNN, which exclusively broke the news on Tuesday, the first daughter was asked to attend the Closing Ceremony by President Trump and the United States Olympic Committee for the Winter Games, held from Feb. 8 to Feb. 25. Vice President Mike Pence and second lady Karen Pence will lead the U.S. delegation to the Opening Ceremony.
In what may have been a clue to Ivanka’s latest role, the mother of three tweeted in January, “Getting ready for the upcoming Winter Olympics!””
Getting ready for the upcoming Winter Olympics! #Olympics2018 #TeamUSA https://t.co/mUco2ai52V
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) January 29, 2018
And on Tuesday, she tweeted, “Participating in sports from a young age is key to developing a strong work ethic & being successful professionally.”
Participating in sports from a young age is key to developing a strong work ethic & being successful professionally. “Girls who play sports are more likely to graduate from college, find a job, & be employed in male-dominated industries.” #YouthSports https://t.co/qwxDKniKMT
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) February 6, 2018
The Closing Ceremony is held on the last day of the games, and described by the International Olympic Committee as “a giant party, as the athletes are given the chance to let their hair down at a concert held against a backdrop of fizzing pyrotechnics.”
A medal ceremony kicks off the celebration, followed by a lowering of the host city’s flag and the playing of the national anthem (in South Korea, it’s called “Aegukga”). Then the mayor of the city passes the flag to the mayor of the next host city of the Games (in this case Beijing, the setting of the 2022 Winter Games).
Then the party starts.
During the 2016 Summer Games in Rio, the Closing Ceremony included a lively salsa dance followed by a performance by Brazilian singer Mariene de Castro, a faux-rain display, and colorful fireworks.
Two years prior, at the Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, acrobats performed impressive stunts and snow leopard, bear, and rabbit mascots rallied the crowd by extinguishing the Olympic flame.
To close out the 2012 Games in London, the Spice Girls got everyone on their feet with their greatest hits, including, “Wannabe.”
According to K-Pop website AllKPop, boy band Exo and CL, a female rapper will take the stage this year in South Korea.
The U.S. Olympic Committee did not return Yahoo Lifestyle’s request for comment, so the specifics of Ivanka’s role are unclear. However, in both the Opening and Closing Ceremony, delegates are strategically chosen to represent the U.S.
For example, in 2012 Michelle Obama led the delegation to the Opening Ceremony in London, along with retired gymnast Dominique Dawes, to promote the first lady’s “Let’s Move” campaign. And in 2014, President Obama choose tennis legend Billie Jean King to lead the festivities. The selection of King, who is openly gay, was reportedly a pointed message to Russia regarding its oppressive treatment of LGBT citizens.
One thing is for certain: Ivanka will be scrutinized for her outfit at the Games, given reports that her namesake clothing line is made overseas and in factories with long hours and little pay.
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
Justin Trudeau is accused of mansplaining feminism — but is it fair?
Olympic wrestler Helen Maroulis rocks a fierce Corinthians cast on the red carpet
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