The largest World Scout Jamboree ever has officially started!

RINKABY, 28 July 2011 – The 22nd World Scout Jamboree has officially started in front of more than 39,000 participants of all ages, making it the largest World Scout Jamboree ever held.

The opening ceremony started at 21:00 with a colouful roll call of the 156 flags of the participating countries and the raising of the WOSM flag.

Then, Bear Grylls, Chief Scout of the UK, as a special guest of the Jamboree, spectacularly descended from the roof of the stage to welcome the participants.

Marie Reinecke, one of the three camp chiefs (together with Göran Hägerdal and Lasse Karlsson), also warmly welcomed the participants. The ceremony continued with the participants renewing their Scout Promise in English and French.

Simon Rhee, Chairman of the World Scout Committee, officially opened the 22nd World Scout Jamboree and a big party then started with the Jamboree House Band and a firework display.

The whole opening ceremony was reported live on the wsj.se/live.

39 000 participants at the opening ceremony on the 28th of July