Hangzhou Asian Para Games Opening Ceremony themed around osmanthus
2023/10/22 15:06
The opening ceremony of Hangzhou Asian Para Games will kick off in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province on Sunday, with the final full rehearsal completed on Saturday.
Themed "Hearts Meet, Dreams Shine", the ceremony will take place at Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre, also known as the "Big Lotus," on Sunday evening. The 85-minute event revolves around the image of osmanthus, the city's official flower.
The entire ceremony, including the warm-up session, artistic performances and lighting of the main torch cauldron with all the visual technology, was tested in full during rehearsal on Saturday.
Sha Xiaolan, general director of the opening ceremony of Hangzhou Asian Para Games, said that in the same vein as the Asian Games Opening Ceremony, the Para Games Opening Ceremony will continue to showcase China's cultural confidence with digital technology, demonstrating the spirit of "optimism, harmony, perseverance and sharing."
"Shape, sound and love are the three key words of the opening ceremony. The image of golden osmanthus will run throughout the ceremony to welcome athletes from across Asia and extend our best wishes to them," said Sha.
The song "Our Asia," which was used for the opening ceremony of the Asian Games, will be played again to accompany the entrance of athletes into the stadium.
"Using the same song is to express the notion of the integration of people with impairments and able-bodied," said Sha. The beloved song was penned 33 years ago for the 11th Asian Games in Beijing.
Regarding "love," the Asian Para Games mascot Feifei and the last torchbearer will light the main torch cauldron with the help of an intelligent bionic hand. Technology is used to make up for physical deficiencies and strengthen people's belief in pursuing their dreams. The flame of hope and love will be ignited, bringing the atmosphere of the whole venue to the climax, Sha noted.
From the athletes' parade and artistic performances to the lighting of the main torch cauldron, people with impairments were invited to participate in the ceremony to demonstrate their indomitable spirit and positive mentality towards life.
A sign language formation consisting of performers with impairments will interpret the national anthem of China, My Motherland and other songs which will use sign language.
On Saturday, wheelchair basketball player Huang Xiaolian and wheelchair fencer Sun Gang were named as the flag bearers for the Chinese delegation.
Meanwhile, the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) Executive Board met in Hangzhou on Friday.
APC President Majid Rashed expressed his hope that he will witness one of the best-ever Para Games over the next few days.
"The organising committee has done a fantastic job in creating such amazing venues with all accessible facilities. I am sure everyone is going to have a great time in the next few days," said Rashed.