ANZ Stadium to stage World Masters Games Opening Ceremony
Minister for Tourism Jodi McKay today announced that Sydney Olympic Park’s ANZ Stadium will stage the Opening Ceremony of the world’s largest multi-sport event, the 2009 Sydney World Masters Games, on Sunday October 11.
Ms McKay said the Opening Ceremony will feature the largest athlete’s parade on earth, with an estimated 25,000 competitors from more than 100 countries to follow in the footsteps of Sydney 2000 Olympic athletes.
“The Masters Games will be a great event for Sydney and New South Wales and an Opening Ceremony at ANZ Stadium is a fitting way to kick-off festivities,” Ms McKay said.
“The Games are expected to contribute close to $50 million to the New South Wales economy and provide another opportunity to showcase Sydney and our world-class sporting venues.”
Games organisers have appointed Out There Productions, the creative producers for World Youth Day 2008’s Papal Arrival at Barangaroo, Evening Vigil and Final Mass at Randwick Racecourse, to produce the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the Games.
“The Sydney 2009 World Masters Games Opening Ceremony at ANZ Stadium will celebrate Australian culture, Masters sport and, most importantly of all, the competitors themselves,” said Ceremonies Director Andy Lopez.
Award-winning Australian producer Dein Perry and leading Australian creative director Rhoda Roberts will also be in charge of directing segments of the ANZ Stadium celebration.
Ms McKay said the Masters Games is the world’s largest multi-sport event and the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games has already received 7,900 competitor registrations.
“Everyone is invited to participate in the Sydney Masters Games irrespective of how old or how competitive you are.
“The Games provide a unique opportunity to have an Olympic-style experience, from marching in the Opening Ceremony at ANZ Stadium to competing at other outstanding Olympic venues during competition.”
Highlights of the Games social program include the Opening Ceremony at ANZ Stadium (October 11), Closing Ceremony at Darling Harbour (October 18), Masters Gala Ball at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre (October 15), Opera Australia “The Mikado” at the Sydney Opera House (October 12), Sydney Olympic Park Club House at the Brewery Bar (October 10-17) and the Health & Lifestyle Expo at The Dome (October 7-11).
To enter the Games, people need to meet their sport’s minimum age, which ranges between 25 and 35 years. Registrations close on July 31.
To register or find out more information about the Games or social calendar, visit the 2009 World Masters website.
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