By Basketball Australia
6 Jan 2005
Melbourne 2005 Deaflympics Basketball mascot.
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Olympic Park was the backdrop for the spectacular Opening Ceremony of the Melbourne 2005 Deaflympic Games on Wednesday night.
In front of an audience of over 5,000 people from around the world, the celebration kicked off with a colourful parade of over 3,600 athletes who will be competing over the next eleven days.
The festivities were headlined by performances from Australian pop stars, Guy Sebastian, Paulini, Sophie Monk and David Campbell. Over 1,200 singers, dancers, performers and interpreters of all ages contributed to the celebration of song, dance and athleticism. The Deaflympic Singing Choir, backed by the Australian Youth Choir, held the audience spellbound with visual renditions of the National Anthem and "We are Australian".
The evening displayed the unique wildlife of Australia and the multiculturalism of the city of Melbourne, and also featured a World Cultural Celebration, reflecting the participation by athletes and visitors from more than 90 countries. Young Australian Basketball player, Irene Farinacci took the athletes oath on behalf of all the competing Deaflympians.
Amongst the sell out audience at the Opening Ceremony was Chairman of the Melbourne 2005 Deaflympic Games, Bill Scales; Kevan Gosper, representing the International Olympic Committee and Patron of Deaf Sports Australia; Rebecca Adam, President of Deaf Sports Australia; Donalda Ammons, Interim President of Deaflympics/CISS; Rod Kemp, the Federal Minister of Sports and the Arts and John Thwaites the Acting Premier of Victoria.
The program included a moving tribute to John Lovett, a long-time advocate for Deaf Sports in Australia, and the President of Deaflympics/CISS until his untimely death in 2003.
The pinnacle of evening was the lighting of the Deaflympic torch by much admired Deaflympian legend, Cindy Lu Fitzpatrick, symbolising the official opening of the Games. Fitzpatrick represented Australia in swimming at six consecutive Deaflympic Games and also represented her country at the Commonwealth Games and Pan Pac Swimming Championships.
"It was just an amazing feeling to be lighting the Deaflympic torch," said an overwhelmed Fitzpatrick.
Melbourne 2005 Deaflympic Games CEO Trish Tracey was just thrilled that the Opening Ceremony has now kick started 11 days of elite competition.
"After so much planning, we are excited to see all the athletes finally here in Melbourne," commented Ms Tracey.
"Let the Games begin!!"
The Australian men's and women's basketball teams tip off their competition at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre on Thursday night at 7pm.
Basketball Australia
www.basketball.net.au
