A symbolic fire
For the first time, a symbolic fire was lit during the Games of the Olympiad. The fire was lit in a cauldron that was placed at the top of a tower in the stadium which had been designed by Jan Wils.
Return of Germany
Germany participated in the Games once again, after 16 years of absence, since the 1912 Games.
More events open to women
Although women had participated in the past in tennis, golf, archery, figure skating, sailing, swimming and fencing, 1928 marked the first time that one women’s artistic gymnastics event and a small number of women’s athletics events were included on the programme.
Ceremonies
Amsterdam 1928. Henri Denis (NED) pronounces the Olympic oath in the medium of the carriers of the flags of the nations.
Official opening of the Games by: HRH Prince Hendrik
Lighting the Olympic Flame by: A symbolic fire at an Olympic Summer Games was first lit in 1928 in Amsterdam.
Olympic Oath by: Henri Denis (football)
Official Oath by: The officials' oath at an Olympic Summer Games was first sworn in 1972 in Munich.