The Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics GB saw a fantastic range of amazing performances commissioned especially for the event, involving hundreds of people from across Leicestershire. Around two and a half thousand athletes took part from 19 regions across the UK and it was their enthusiasm, excitement and commitment which filled the Walkers Stadium with the fantastic emotional sense that anything was possible.

As a city proud of its multi-cultural heritage the athletes parade and subsequent performances did the area proud. The parade itself was accompanied by music from the Dhol Enforcement Agency, the Seaforth Highlanders and Sambando (a band originally established from a joint programme of Samba development by Mantle and Charnwood Arts).

These fifteen photographs show just a small section of the event and try to provide a balance between the audience, performers and athletes. From the Premier Star Cheerleaders, Choral and Orchestral music, Gymnastic and Dance performances to the extra-ordinary mass show headed by Mahogany Carnival Arts. This event provided all the sound, energy, diversity and colour one could wish for.


A larger gallery of images can be found at
www.pbase.com/kaparu2