Special Olympics T&T 2007 Opening Ceremony
TriniView.com Reporters
Event Date: May 04, 2007
Posted: May 08, 2007
The Opening Ceremony of the 25th Anniversary of Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago took place on Friday 4th May, 2007, at the National Stadium at about five forty-five in the afternoon. Although the sky was overcast for much of the evening, this did not to put a damper on the spirits of Special Olympic athletes. In fact, the athletes appeared to be very excited about the day's proceedings and danced to music before the formal ceremony began.
The western side of the stadium was filled with Special Olympics athletes who later emptied the seating area to position themselves for the ceremonial march.
The audience, many of whom were parents, siblings and other relatives of Special Olympics athletes, were entertained by the Lady Hochoy Music Makers who gave the welcome interlude on the pan which started the formal leg of the programme. The small band played lovely selections from their repertoire ranging from Stevie Wonder's 'My Cherie Amor' to Paul McCartney's 'Yesterday'.
Lady Hochoy Home North
At about twenty minutes before six, athletes paraded on the oval track displaying their team banners with pride. The teams that participated in the 25th Anniversary of Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago were as follows: The Association for Developmental Education, BLISS Creative Learning Centre, C.H.I.L.D., Goodwill Industries of the West Indies, Happy Haven Special School, Immortelle Centre, Lady Hochoy Home North, Lady Hochoy Vocational Centre, Lady Hochoy Home Penal, The Memisa Vocational Training School, National Centre for Persons with Learning Disabilities, St. Ann's Hospital, and St. Dominic's Home. Also making an appearance was the Trinidad and Tobago contingent who would be going to Shanghai, China for the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games.
Following the march of the Special Olympics teams was a short parade of Carnival costumes including "The Great Wall of China", "Ice Princess" and "Fish in the Bush" presented by children no older than twelve.
National Anthem being sung by the Lydian Singers quartet
After the excitement created by the costumed kiddies, was the singing of the National Anthem by the Lydian Singers quartet who looked sharp in their matching black suits.
An invocation by Sis. Antoinette Dickie and a welcoming address by athlete Gaitrie Rampersad followed. Ms. Rampersad thanked the sponsors, parents and athletes for making the opening ceremony the grand event that it was and thanked those who had ensured that Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago continued for twenty-five years.
Chairman of Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago, Norma James, informed the audience that Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago is continuing a journey that begun in 1982 which makes this year the silver anniversary of a successful tradition. She thanked the volunteers, coaches and sponsors for their continued support and reminded the gathering of the 2007 Special Olympic games that would be held in Shanghai, China, later this year.
Special Olympics Caribbean Sports and Technical Director, David Benjamin, stressed that voluntarism is one of the most thankless jobs but that people need to focus on the less fortunate and show their support.
The CEO of Digicel, Kevin White, shared that Digicel has had a long history with Special Olympics throughout the Caribbean and is committed to working with athletes in Trinidad and Tobago. He hoped that their support would help Special Olympics grow.
Members of H20 Phlo serenading the athletes
Entertainment for the athletes and supporters followed, starting with the beautiful sound of Stephen Furlongue who sang "Beautiful in My Eyes" and "Set My Soul on Fire"; H20 Phlo, who the athletes totally adored; and CLICO Shiv Shakti Dancers.
Also part of the opening ceremony was the declaration of oaths by members of Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago beginning with the Athletes Oath: Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt; Coach's Oath: In the name of all coaches, we shall follow written and verbal instructions of Special Olympics officials at all times, have our athletes at the appropriate events and activities at the proper time and abide by the rules and policies, in the spirit of sportsmanship; and Official's Oath: In the name of all judges and officials, I promise that we shall officiate in these Special Olympics Games with complete impartiality, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, in the spirit of sportsmanship.
After the sun had set and moments before the official end of the ceremony, the Trinidad and Tobago Law Enforcement Torch Run Committee for Special Olympics comprised of police, fire, prison and army officials had made their way into the National Stadium all the way from the Arima Velodrome. At this time, the Special Olympics athletes had returned to the stands to make way for the arrival of the torch.
The lit Special Olympics emblem
A little after 7pm, the Special Olympics emblem was lit by the torch holder, followed by Sports Officer II, Mr. Dave Bob, declaring the games open.
The vote of thanks was then presented by Games Chairman of Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Ferdinand Bibby who thanked the Ministry of Sport, Ms. Thomas from the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Hassanali and many others for their dedication, sponsorship and support.
The actual games started the following day and athletes enjoyed a weekend filled with stimulating activities.
Special Olympics T&T 2007 Opening in pictures:
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