Stephen James Smith Honors Team Ireland with Stirring Performance at Olympic Centenary
In a poignant and spirited ceremony at the Centre Culturel Irlandais, performance poet Stephen James Smith delivered a specially commissioned spoken word piece titled "Allez Les Verts", marking the centenary of Ireland's first participation in the Olympics as an independent nation. The performance, held during the official flag-bearing ceremony, celebrated Team Ireland’s presence at the Paris 2024 Olympics, 100 years after their debut at the same historic event.
The poem, commissioned by Nora Hickey M’Sichili, was a humorous and insightful tribute to Ireland’s Olympic journey, capturing the pride and passion of the nation. Smith’s delivery resonated with the audience, combining his trademark wit with a deep sense of national pride.
Reflecting on the experience, Smith expressed surprise at being chosen for the commission: “I was in contact with Nora Hickey M'Sichili and mentioned that I was thinking of writing something for Team Ireland. I wasn’t actually expecting her to give me the go-ahead nor to present it at the flag-bearer ceremony."
Despite the tight schedule of his European tour, Smith managed to craft a piece that, while more of a rousing spoken word performance than a traditional poem, deeply moved those in attendance. “As a big sports fan, that helped," he noted, "and, thankfully, it seemed to go well. The audience responded with laughter and tears, capturing the moment, which was a relief to me! Make of it what you will; it’s not my best writing, but it is at least heartfelt."
The event highlighted the deep bond between Ireland’s cultural and athletic heritage, with Smith’s performance bringing a distinctive and unforgettable element to the centenary celebrations.