PRP Inspires Many with Glowing Hearts at the Opening & Closing Ceremonies of the X Paralympic Winter Games
Heralded as an “Opening of the ages,” the Opening Ceremony was a live international television broadcast in front of a 60, 000-person audience. With a theme of “One Inspires Many,” the opening ceremony was a blend of spirit, heart and emotional fanfare – a true Canadian celebration.
Over 5000 performers took the stage including The Governor General of Canada: Michaelle Jean; Blind Vocalist and Paralympian: Terry Kelly; Four Host First Nations Elder: Audrey Rivers; Luca “Lazylegz” Patuelli and ILLmask; Paralympians Aimee Mullins and Chantal Petitclerc; Michael Kaeshammer; Dal Richards; Martin DesChamps; Fefe Dobson; Nikki Yanofsky; Rick Hansen, Lloyd Robertson and Manfred Janssen. In addition, a 2010 member choir comprised of singers from across BC; 600 dancers from various local dance studios and a 200-member band comprised of Highschool students from throughout Vancouver’s lower mainland took to the stage throughout the ceremony.
The 25-minute parade of athletes featured a 300 children’s cheer squad to welcome the athletes as Vocal DJs lead the audience in celebratory dance moves.
With a moving tribute to Canadian inspirations Oscar Peterson, Rick Hansen and Terry Fox, the Paralympic Torch was brought into the stadium by Betty and Rolly Fox, the parents of the late Canadian hero Terry Fox. It was then passed to Paralympians Daniel Wesley and Marni Abbott-Peter before the cauldron was lit by 15-year old Zach Beaumont, an avid amputee snowboarder who hopes to one day compete for Canada in the Paralympic Games.
10 days later, the Games were brought to a close in the Host Mountain Resort of Whistler. Hailed as the “Best Ever Close” to a Paralympic Games, this 70-minute show celebrated the spirit of the Paralympic Games and the abundance of Canadian cultural talent “With Glowing Hearts.” Staged outside, to a live television broadcast, the ceremony featured local children in the choir and dance segments and prominent performers from across Canada.
Working closely with the organizing committee for the 2014 Paralympic Games, PRP incorporated a seamless handover segment despite the language barrier. The ceremony ended with the passing of the paralympic flame from the Youth of Canada to the Youth of Sochi, while a mass fireworks celebration displayed right outside the
venue.
About PRP
PRP Inc. is live entertainment and show production company that specializes in creating spectacular, large-scale shows and events. Based out of Vancouver, BC, PRP’s award-winning team boast more than 24 years of high-profile international events and entertainment production. Visit www.prpconnect.com.