A cast of hundreds, led by top comedian Dai Henwood, will officially open the 2010 World Rowing Championships at Lake Karapiro on Saturday 30 October.
The Opening Ceremony, starting at 2pm, features a mix of entertainment, music and fun on and off the water. There's a nostalgic look back at the 1978 Championships, the Parade of Nations featuring local schoolchildren and international athletes, and the powhiri and wero (challenge) in the presence of the Maori King before the official flag-raising.
"We've put together a Ceremony that captures the spirit of rowing, the heritage of the area and today's New Zealand," says Organising Committee CEO Tom Mayo. "There's a great performing space both on and off the water here at Lake Karapiro and our cast of hundreds will make the most of land and Lake.
"For most of our international audience and the international athletes, the Opening Ceremony will provide a first introduction to Maori culture. I think the powhiri, the challenge and other parts of the Ceremony will be an experience they will never forget."
FISA President Denis Oswald will lead the international federation officials who will accept the wero (challenge) from Ngati Koroki Kahukura and Ngati Haua.
OPSHOP lead singer Jason Kerrison will sing the National Anthem for the official flag-raising and then, as the Ceremony finishes, will rejoin OPSHOP for a 90 minute gig to bring the day to a close.
"We added the Opening Ceremony to the official programme to give the people from the Waikato area, who have done so much for the event, a chance to celebrate the return of the World Rowing Championships," says Mayo. "It's been a long wait since 1978."
Tickets, priced from just $19.95, are available from Ticketek.
