2022 World Games opening ceremony
The 2022 World Games opening ceremony was held on the evening on Thursday, July 7 at Protective Stadium to mark the formal opening of the 2022 World Games. The event, formally titled "Unlocking The Magic: Celebrating The Power of The One", was planned, "to tell the story of Birmingham," while also incorporating welcoming speeches, a procession of athletes, and numerous musical and dance performances, fireworks and other entertainments. The event was broadcast live by CBS 42, and also online at AL.com and Olympics.com.
The winning proposal to produce the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the World Games Plaza venue, was submitted by LRY Media Group, a firm founded in 2017 by former Alabama Power Company marketing executive Rashada Leroy. The bid was awarded on December 23, 2019. For the opening ceremony, they developed an elaborate celebration of Birmingham's history, focusing on the theme of how bringing together diverse elements results in power and unity.
The lead sponsor for the opening ceremony was Alabama Power Company. Funk musician Bootsy Collins served as master of ceremonies. Henry Panion served as artistic director and conducted the World Games Orchestra and Choir. Twyla Grider designed costumes for the event. Sean Humphrey and Chet Brewster were brought on board as event directors.
Pre-ceremony
A "pre-ceremony", hosted by Ebony Steele, featured music by DJ Chris Coleman and an appearance by "SkySurfer" Hunter Kowald.
The event was marked with a flyover by a KC-135R from the Alabama Air National Guard's 117th Air Refueling Wing escorted by two F-16s from the 187th Fighter Wing in Montgomery.
A 44-day "Old Glory Relay" organized by the non-profit Team RWB to promote health and wellness for military veterans carried a U.S. flag from the World War II memorial on the National Mall in Washington D.C. into Protective Stadium as part of the pre-opening ceremony. Disabled veteran and honorary World Games co-chair Noah Galloway ran the final leg of the relay with Mayor of Birmingham Randall Woodfin and Team RWB CEO Mike Erwin.
Program
A video presentation counted down to the start of the ceremony, featuring a fanfare by "herald trumpeters" from the World Games Orchestra, accompanied by a color guard from Jacksonville State University's Marching Southerners band, and dancers from the Sanspointe Dance Company and Alabama State University.
Entry of nations
The athletes representing more than 100 nations processed onto the field accompanied by their national flags. The segment was highlighted by an extended standing ovation for the athletes representing Ukraine, in recognition of that country's violent struggle to defend itself against an invasion by Russia.
The Journey
Spoken word performer Sharrif Simmons delivered his original poem, "The Journey".
Theme song
The official theme song for the games, Hope Of Alabama, written by Randy Owen and produced by Henry Panion, was performed during the opening ceremony by an ensemble which included Owen, Yung Bleu, Jamey Johnson, Pastor Mike, Worth the Wait, Chuck Leavell, Lenora Panion, Ruben Studdard, Taylor Hicks, Bo Bice, Martha Reeves, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Sara Evans, and the World Games Youth and Adult Choirs.
Declarations
After the parade of nations, Randall Woodfin provided opening remarks, followed by remarks from other representatives of the World Games.
Performers
- Nelly
- Shelia E.
- Tony! Toni! Tone!
- Yolanda Adams, also performed the National Anthem
- Alabama
References
- Gore, Laeda (July 7, 2022) "World Games Birmingham 2022 opening ceremony: Time, road closures, who will perform?." The Birmingham News
- Dover, Drew (July 8, 2022) "Welcome to Birmingham, y’all: The World Games are finally here." WSFA 12 News
- "Interview with Rashada Leroy" (March 9, 2022) by Chris Breece for CBS42.com
- Swain, Sharron (July 8, 2022) "Opening Ceremony for The World Games was electric. Bham Now
- Crenshaw, Solomon Jr (July 8, 2022) "The World Games 2022 Opening Ceremonies kickstart historic event for Birmingham and Alabama." Alabama NewsCenter
- Goodman, Joseph (July 8, 2022) "Standing ovation for Ukraine highlights World Games opening ceremony" The Birmingham News
- Nelson, Matt (July 8, 2022) "Birmingham bursts with color as opening ceremony marks the start of The World Games" Around the Rings
External links
- "Opening Ceremony | The World Games 2022 | Birmingham at Olympics.com
- "Interview with Rashada LeRoy" (March 24, 2022) by Philipp Doering for "We Are the World Games"