The opening ceremony for the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals kicked off at Hilton Coliseum Wednesday and brought together students from all over the globe. This is the 10th Odyssey of the Mind that has been held at Iowa State.

Participants in brightly colored shirts, tradable pins and flashing hats filled the bleachers in preparation for the ceremony.

These participants, almost as soon as they entered the stadium, were screaming in excitement over a t-shirt launching Cy; they were equally entertained when welcoming the mascot of Odyssey of the Mind: Omer the Raccoon.

Omer proceeded to lead teams from Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Poland, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland and nearly every state around the stage.

As these countries’ and states’ representatives passed the center stage, the hosts of the ceremony shared some unusual or little known facts about each respective area.

“Let’s welcome the country where it is illegal to shoot Bigfoot,” said one announcer, as they screamed Canada into the microphone.

Once all representatives had made it around the arena, a medley of national anthems played, and the 39th Odyssey of the Mind began.

Two awards were given during the opening ceremonies. The Spirit Award, an award given to one group leader who shows exceptional values, and the Max Mansfield Award, which is given to countries or states that have shown growth or exceptionalism.

The Spirit Award was given to Wojtek Radziwilowicz, a group leader from Poland and the Max Mansfield Award was given to South Korea.

Attendees were told to take advantage of pin trading and selling on campus, which were said to be great ways to meet other people.

John Lawrence, President of Extension and Outreach at Iowa State told the crowd, for the time being, they are honorary Cyclones. This title would include great spirit and an unrivaled pursuit in science and creativity, Lawrence said.

Before the ceremony finished, participants were wished good luck and the last thing participants did was give the Odyssey of the Mind pledge.

Some proceeds from Odyssey of the Mind goes to Odyssey Angels, a separate group that chose this year to give money to a group who turns plastic bags into sleeping mats for the homeless.