(...)
Games officials estimated that 500 to 600 of the 800 athletes expected to participate in the Games marched in the 58-country parade of nations. The loudest cheer, like at any Olympics, came for the home nation, the United States. These are, after all, the first World Equestrian Games held on U.S. soil.
About two hours into the ceremonies, Princess Haya bint al-Hussein, president of the Fédération Équestre Internationale, proclaimed, "I declare the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games open," though they actually began during the day Saturday which is usually the case at the Olympics, too.
The opening event went well beyond the announced 2½ -hour time it had been expected to run, as it made room for many elements. There was a "prayer for all nations" delivered by representatives of Native American tribes. There were introductions of officials including Mayor Jim Newberry and Gov. Steve Beshear.
And there was special guest Muhammad Ali. Cheers of "Ali! Ali!" rose from some sections of the crowd as the native Kentuckian and heavyweight champion rode around the stadium floor in a classic teal convertible along with Pearse Lyons, president and founder of the Games' title sponsor, Alltech.
"Thank you Kentucky for welcoming us to horse heaven," Princess Haya said, and her characterization was represented on the stadium floor as the ceremonies moved from formalities to entertainment.
(...)
Source: http://www.kentucky.com/2010/09/26/1450915/opening-ceremonies-dazzle-with.html
Any Kentuckian here, or anybody planning to visit?
Games officials estimated that 500 to 600 of the 800 athletes expected to participate in the Games marched in the 58-country parade of nations. The loudest cheer, like at any Olympics, came for the home nation, the United States. These are, after all, the first World Equestrian Games held on U.S. soil.
About two hours into the ceremonies, Princess Haya bint al-Hussein, president of the Fédération Équestre Internationale, proclaimed, "I declare the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games open," though they actually began during the day Saturday which is usually the case at the Olympics, too.
The opening event went well beyond the announced 2½ -hour time it had been expected to run, as it made room for many elements. There was a "prayer for all nations" delivered by representatives of Native American tribes. There were introductions of officials including Mayor Jim Newberry and Gov. Steve Beshear.
And there was special guest Muhammad Ali. Cheers of "Ali! Ali!" rose from some sections of the crowd as the native Kentuckian and heavyweight champion rode around the stadium floor in a classic teal convertible along with Pearse Lyons, president and founder of the Games' title sponsor, Alltech.
"Thank you Kentucky for welcoming us to horse heaven," Princess Haya said, and her characterization was represented on the stadium floor as the ceremonies moved from formalities to entertainment.
(...)
Source: http://www.kentucky.com/2010/09/26/1450915/opening-ceremonies-dazzle-with.html
Any Kentuckian here, or anybody planning to visit?