Act announced for National Summer Games Opening Ceremony

The organisers of the National Summer Games have announced a series of acts that will grace the Opening Ceremony which takes place at Leicester City Football Clubs Walkers Stadium on Saturday 25th July 2009 from 6.30pm.

The recently reformed New Beautiful South who had hits in 1990s with Rotterdam and A Little Time -will be performing a short acoustic set and European Flatland BMX Champion Keelan Phillips will perform alongside eight of the worlds top BMX display riders to wow the crowds. The Philharmonia Orchestra, one of the worlds leading orchestras, will be performing a specially commissioned fanfare alongside brass players and local school children from across Leicestershire. The Opening Ceremony is supported by Find Your Talent and the Legacy Trust UK’s Igniting Ambition programme to ensure it is a fantastic event for all athletes and fans.

Leicester City Football Club legend Alan Birchenall, recently awarded the freedom of the city, has been handed the honour of hosting the event. International arts company Mahogany working alongside local groups Movers, Bamboozle, and Foot in Hand, will be creating a vibrant carnival atmosphere by performing a specially choreographed piece with costumes designed by people with disabilities. In addition professional dance outfit, the Anjali Dance Company, will perform a special routine to get the crowd into a party mood. Both groups include performers with learning disabilities underlining the fact this is no barrier to creativity.

Highlights of the night include the parade of the 2,700 athletes competing in the Games, and Special Olympics torch lighting the flame of hope. Famous faces from the world of sport will join the athletes to open the Games and wish the city good luck!

Tickets are limited and have been priced by the organisers at an affordable level to ensure the local community can attend and enjoy the celebrations. The proceeds from ticket sales will be re-invested into the Games.

Steve Humphries, Games Director, commented: I’m sure everyone will want to be present at this Special Olympics opening ceremony on Saturday 25th to offer the warmest  of welcomes to all the  SOGB athletes, families and friends. Everyone should purchase the tickets now for this ‘I was there’ moment to guarantee their seat. We look forward to putting on a fantastic show that Leicestershire and Special Olympics athletes will be proud of.”

TICKET PRICING:

Adults: (Over 16s) 5.00 per person
Children:  (Under 16s) 1.00 per child (only available with a purchase of one adult ticket)
Concessions: 3.00 per person

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased from the Leicester City Football Club ticket office through to Saturday, July 25th 2009.

Contact Leicester City Football Club to purchase your Opening Ceremony tickets by

Telephone: 0844 815 5000

Email: ticket.sales@lcfc.co.uk

Or in person from the ticket office

The Leicester Tigers played host to the ‘89 games and many will recall the unforgettable atmosphere and the most memorable of occasions. The Walkers Stadium will provide the perfect Olympics setting for Leicestershire people to once again salute the gallant and courageous efforts of Special Olympics GB athletes, in front of the visiting 10,000 families and friends.

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