Page 285 - Protec PR Book Volume 2

Protec Provides Inspirational Special Olympics Opening Ceremony
Protec are proud to have helped deliver the glittering, inspirational, opening ceremony of the Special Olympics IX MENA Games 2018.
It opened with an enthusiastic bang in Abu Dhabi on Saturday 17th March. After taking a tour of the city, hitting some famous landmarks along the way, the Olympic torch finally arrived at ADNEC to the applause of the waiting 2000 spectators. Once the ‘Flame of Hope’ cauldron was lit the show began. A video entitled ‘Welcome to my City’ was played and more than 1,000 Special Olympics athletes from 32 different countries entered the arena in a colourful parade to much excitement from supporters and athletes alike. Cheers and contagious smiles rippled through the entire arena.
Celebrating people of determination’s sporting abilities and talents, this is not only a significant event in the MENA region, but it also is an important test event for the 2019 World Games. With that, our client and show producers – HQ Worldwide wanted to deliver an opening ceremony that set the scene for the week ahead and paid due respect to the talented athletes from the UAE and visiting countries.
This is the second time Abu Dhabi hosted the MENA regional games, the last time being ten years ago in 2008 and it has certainly grown in size since then. From 23 countries and 12 sports to 32 countries and 16 sports, it shows how people’s perceptions are changing for the better welcoming diversity, becoming more inclusive, and celebrating the abilities of people of determination.
Protec, honoured to have been part of such an inspiring show, provided lighting, audio and video as well as some rigging for the show in ADNEC. HQ Worldwide provided their own lighting design and the video content. Project Manager, Simon Travis, gave us a rundown of some of the set up for lighting.