TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Leaving all the clamour and chaos behind, the spotlight will now turn to the opening ceremony of the Lusofonia Games, Goa 2014 to be held at the newly upgraded Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, at Fatorda, on January 18.
Brandon Fernandes and Tanisi Kirtani, young and promising Goan athletes will together light the cauldron. Mandar Desai, captain of the Goa-India football team will be the flag bearer of the Goa-India contingent for the parade.
1800 performers from 18 states of India and a host of technological gear will come together to orchestrate a grand opening ceremony for Goa’s most high profile sporting event.
The 1800 performers, of which 1200 are locals, will display culture, lifestyle, environment and many other aspects of Goa and other parts of India. 800 local school children will also be a part of the extravaganza.
Prasad Lolyekar, FA head of ceremonies said, “Multiple segments will be showcased in a representational way depicting the various occupations of Goa, colours of India, magic of monsoons, Goa through Mario Miranda’s eyes, and many more. The entire show will be a kaleidoscope of India through a spectacle of mass cast, props and technology.”
“There will be ground projection depicting flora and fauna, water and other aspects. The best sound system in the world and pyrotechnics of the highest caliber will be used along with four layers of lighting and premium mixing consoles,” said Bansi Kaul, creative head for the Games.
The programme is set to begin at 7 p.m and will conclude at 10 p.m. The opening ceremony will begin with the Indian National Anthem followed by the parade of the participants and the lighting of the cauldron. The torch relay in the stadium will begin after the parade and will see the participation of 32 athletes of which two are special Olympians.
Lolyekar requested all the spectators to be present on time.
“The gates will be opened at 4.30 p.m and I fervently request all the spectators to be seated latest by 6 p.m. To ensure that the spectators do not get anxious and bored there will be entertainment items from 4.30 upto 7 p.m,” added Lolyekar. Elaborate traffic arrangements have been made as well and all spectators were requested to adhere to them.
