Dutch DJ T to spin discs at Oly opening ceremony
ATHENS (AFP) - Dutch disc jockey T is to become the first DJ ever to perform at the opening ceremony of the Oly when he spins discs as athletes from 201 countries enter the stadium in Athens on Friday, the Games' organising committee said.


"Our ceremonies will include unique Greek artistic elements along with modern and international perspectives," the head of the organisers, Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, said in a statement Monday.
"While it is path-breaking, it is also natural that a modern artist like T will contribute to the celebration we're planning on our opening night. We welcome him to Athens," she said.
T - real name Tijs Verwest - was approached by the Games' organisers in October last year and asked to spin discs in a live performance during the opening ceremony's 90-minute athletes' parade, during which more than 10,000 Olympic competitors will enter the stadium.
His performance will include new tracks specially produced for the Games.
The Dutch DJ, who has twice been voted number one disc jockey in the world by readers of specialist magazines, said he was honoured to have been chosen to take part in the Olympics.
"I am honoured to be part of the biggest sports event in the world. The fact that the Games are returning to their birthplace and to the city where they were revived makes Athens 2004 very special," he said.
"The opportunity to perform my music for billions of people around the globe will be the greatest highlight of my life."