Athletes from each country arrived at Daegu Airport. They were welcomed by supporters and entered the athletes' village after flag-raising ceremony. On August 18, 8 countries including Japan, Portugal and Mexico had the ceremony.

ⓒ 2003 WATV

Among them, Mexico's flag-raising ceremony was like a feast. Their ceremony started at 12.30 p.m. and continued for about 1 hour. Main ceremony took only 10 minutes, but 120 athletes and 30 supporters sang and danced together for several tens of minutes.
The supporters for Mexico team led by Pastor Park Gi-seon presented 20 candy wreaths and bunches of flowers they made with all their heart. And to all athletes they gave Korean traditional percussion shaped key-holders. Athletes were so pleased to receive unexpected gifts and gave their badges to the supporters, saying, "Thank you," again and again.

Athletes took pictures with the supporters waving Mexican flags and placards. They made an unforgettable memory in Daegu, Korea. Especially, Silva Hugo the basketball coach asked the supporters to visit his room with a Korean flag, saying, "I want to have your Korean flag."

ⓒ 2003 WATV

Pastor Park Gi-seon, the chief of supporters for Mexico team, showed his will, saying, "We will support Mexico team better than any other supporters, so that the athletes may attain good results. And we will visit Mexico team's lodge as soon as possible and deliver them Korean flags. We hope the athletes will make precious memories in Korea and remember us forever."

The concerned officials were also excited, saying, "We've never thought of this. It's too exciting. Supporters are wonderful."

In the Flag Square all became one. There were no more barriers of class, color, language, culture and border.

ⓒ 2003 WATV