Opening Ceremonies 2011!
Posted in WHAT'S NEW? by Heather Dickson on 1/21/2011 11:20:05 AM
Thunder Bay sure knows how to throw a party! Last night, the 2011 Ontario Special Olympics kicked off in style with a grand opening ceremony at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, and boy did we shine! From Pierre Schryer, Olivia Korkola and the Kam Valley Fiddlers to the Thunder Mountain singers and dancers, from Fort William Historical Park to the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, we put on a show for the rest of Ontario to see!
The energy in the crowd was electric, and the Auditorium itself was a star with hardly an empty seat in the house. Olympians from all across the province were ushered in to the theme from "Rocky", and you can just see the excitement on their faces.
With celebrities and dignitaries like Eric Staal (via video), Michael Gravelle, and Sportsnet's Evanka Osmak bringing messages of encouragement and healthy competition, and local figures like Police Deputy Chief J.P. Levesque and singer Shy-Anne Hovorka, and finally the torch, carried in by Warren Giertuga, added a truly world-class feel to the event.
Alan, Scott Chisholm and John Sims were on hand to capture the night, and they sure had their work cut out for them, as there wasn't a dull moment all night. Last year, I had the privilege of attending the opening ceremonies of the 2010 ParaOlympics in Vancouver, and while their budget may have been just a little bit higher, I can say that I am blown away by how truly amazing last night was here in Thunder Bay. We have a culture that speaks volumes, historically and artistically, and we have alot to be very proud of. If the rest of these games are going to be anything like last night, Thunder Bay is in for a real treat! Let the games begin!
