ANZ Stadium to stage Masters Games Opening Ceremony

NSW Minister for Tourism Jodi McKay has announced that Sydney Olympic Park's ANZ Stadium will stage the Opening Ceremony of the world's largest multi-sport event, the 2009 Sydney World Masters Games, on Sunday 11th October.
Minister McKay said the Opening Ceremony will feature the largest athlete's parade on earth, with an estimated 25,000 competitors from more than 100 countries to follow in the footsteps of Sydney 2000 Olympic athletes, stating âthe Masters Games will be a great event for Sydney and NSW and an Opening Ceremony at ANZ Stadium is a fitting way to kick-off festivities.
"The Games are expected to contribute close to $50 million to the NSW economy and provide another opportunity to showcase Sydney and our world-class sporting venues."
Games organisers have appointed Out There Productions, the creative producers for World Youth Day 2008's Papal Arrival at Barangaroo, Evening Vigil and Final Mass at Randwick Racecourse, to produce the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the Games.
"The Sydney 2009 World Masters Games Opening Ceremony at ANZ Stadium will celebrate Australian culture, Masters sport and, most importantly of all, the competitors themselves," said Ceremonies Director Andy Lopez.
Award-winning Australian producer Dein Perry and leading Australian creative director Rhoda Roberts will also be in charge of directing segments of the ANZ Stadium celebration.
Minister McKay said the Masters Games is the world's largest multi-sport event and the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games has already received 7,900 competitor registrations.
"Everyone is invited to participate in the Sydney Masters Games irrespective of how old or how competitive you are.
"The Games provide a unique opportunity to have an Olympic-style experience, from marching in the Opening Ceremony at ANZ Stadium to competing at other outstanding Olympic venues during competition."
Other key events on the Games social calendar include the Closing Ceremony in Darling Harbour (Sunday 18th October), a special performance of the Mikado by Opera Australia at the Sydney Opera House (Monday 12th October), the Masters Gala Ball at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre (Thursday 15th October) and a Health & Lifestyle Expo under the Showground Dome from 7th to 11th October.