Did you watch the official opening of the FEI-WEC on TV2 last night? It was super duper cool!Especially the fireworks and The Lorenzo Horses.( Just imagine, that hot guy had to control 8 horses!)
Was thinking to myself, 'Hell, I should have gone out, maybe at least park somewhere nearby the stadium, enjoying the spectacular displays of larger-than-life fireworks'. (even the TV's commentator said that Olympic Beijing hosts could just eat their heart out watching the sky all flowery and glitteringly painted).
*sighs.. It would only take 10mins drive from my current hide-out, 'ya knoe. Damn.
While watching, all of a sudden, I felt so proud. Of how it turns out to be so.. so..'horsey'... ha ha.
Read the whole report on the opening ceremony taken from Bernama.com:
November 06, 2008 01:03 AM
Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Officially Opens FEI WEC
By Hilary Sebastian
KUALA TERENGGANU, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- The 12th FEI World
Endurance Championship (FEI WEC) was officially declared open by the Yang
di-Pertuan AgongTuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin in a colourful and glittering
ceremony at the SultanMizan Zainal Abidin Stadium, Gong Badak Sports Complex
here Wednesday night.
The ceremony's main theme highlighted Terengganu's uniqueness -- its
friendly people and gentle way of life.
Prior to the arrival of VIPs, the local and foreign spectators who
throngedthe stadium as early as 7.30pm were entertained by well-known Malaysian
singers.
Among the VIPs who attended the opening ceremony were Deputy Prime
Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad
Said,Information Minister Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Chief Operating Officer of the
12thFEI WEC and Vice Chairman of Sultan Mizan Royal Foundation (the
championshiporganiser) Datuk Seri Dr. Salleh Mohd Nor, and FEI Non-Olympics
Sports Director,Lan Williams.
This was followed by the arrival of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku
Mizan Zainal and Raja Permaisuri Tuanku Nur Zahirah.
The official ceremony then started off with the singing of the national
athem.Following this, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Raja Permaisuri,
dignitaries,and spectators were treated to a colorful and spectacular dance
performancefeaturing the culture and traditions that are unique to the East
Coast state as well as their rich marine life and tourism attractions.
This was followed by the march past by the 133 riders from 32
countriescompeting in the championship in the 50,000-capacity stadium, in which
thebiggest cheers from the crowd were reserved for hosts Malaysia.
The highlight of the ceremony was the official opening ceremony performedby
Tuanku Mizan who beat a gong three times accompanied by a performance fromthe
Malaysian Drum Symphony on various drums found in Malaysia.A magical lightand
sound performance then followed to the delight of the the spectators.
Another eye-catching performance was a stunning performance of horsemanhsipby Lorenzo and the Flying Frenchman.
The opening ceremony ended in a dazzlingfireworks displays. Held for first
time in Malaysia and the second time in Asia, the 12th FEIWEC involves endurance
horseback riding over a 160km trail, which must becompleted within 13 hours and
20 minutes.
Apart from Malaysia as the host nation, the other countries contesting
areSouth Africa, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Costa
Rica,Colombia, Guatemala, Germany, Holland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway,
Oman, France, Portugal, Qatar, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland, United Arab
Emirates,United States and Britain.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin will led the
12-memberMalaysia team.The 12th FEI WEC will be divided into two categories,
individualand team.
The flagging off ceremony will be performed this Friday at 5.30pm and
therace is expected to be completed on Saturday morning at the
TerengganuInternational Endurance Park in Lembah Bidong, Setiu.
-- BERNAMA
Think I should go and catch glimpses of the hot riders...err I mean the horses. I've been told that the ones from Qatar are pretty smooth. (and smokin' hot.. ha ha)
Kuda Sokmo!
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