Event Overview – INAS Global Games
LOUD had an incredible experience producing the opening and closing ceremonies for the INAS Global Games this month. It all kicked off with the athlete parade made up of 1,500 athletes from 47 countries marching from Reddacliff Place down Queen Street Mall in Brisbane City, complete with two marching bands and surf life saving volunteers to carry the country names signs along side the teams national flag bearers. Now the much needed rain that arrived saw us implement our trusty wet weather plan to move the official opening ceremony from King George Square into City Hall. Lucky LOUD were in charge and the last minute move with our suppliers was seamless with nothing but a few minor amendments to the set up and run order.
The pre-show entertainment, Ellen Reed and her amazing dancers, really warmed up the crowd (who were safely watching on from dry seats in the City Hall balcony) to welcome in the athletes from the parade. Nunukul Yuggera performed the welcome to country smoking ceremony that left our international guests in awe. Jonathon Welch performed the australian national anthem and was joined by Toowong State School who did the national anthem in sign language. The official speeches came from the Federal Minister of Youth and Sport, Queensland Premier, Lord Mayor, President of IPC and President of INAS before the athletes were invited outside to watch a firework show. Coming back inside City Hall the very excited athletes had performances from Brisbane City Gospel Choir and Yellow Bird Trio whilst they ate their dinner and caught up with fellow competitors.
The closing ceremony was held in the brand new state netball centre after the finals of the basketball. This was a clear celebration of the amazing performances by all athletes throughout the week. Geoffrey Fabila did a modern take on the didgeridoo performance also including an acoustic guitar, that’s some talent performing both together! INAS also launched their re-brand of this amazing organisation to Virtus with T-shirts being given out to the athletes before they ventured off to have their dinner together and hitting the dancefloor to DJ Bilsy. It was such an amazing experience to be a part of and the LOUD team thoroughly enjoyed watching all the athletes come together and celebrate.
