• 
• 

Published on December 7, 2007

It was an amazing sight. The 24th South East Asian (SEA) Games burst into a magnificent display with flashing lights, graceful performances and a flurry of dazzling fireworks that left spectators spellbound.

HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn graciously presided over the grand opening of the 24th edition of the Games at His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium, which was officially opened 15 minutes ahead of the opening ceremony.

HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana led the Thai contingent to the stadium during march past, with local badminton ace Boonsak Ponsana carrying the Thai flag. The Princess, who also joined the women's badminton team to win the gold medal in the previous Games in the Philippines two years ago, will test her mettle in two events this time - the women's team event and partnering Nutthapon Nakthong in the mixed doubles.

 A total of 7,523 athletes will take part in the 24th SEA Games from December 6 to 15, contesting 45 disciplines including two demonstration sports to vie for 475 gold medals.

 Shortly after the official address by Suvit Yodmanee, Tourism and Sports Minister and the chairman of the 24th SEA Games Organising Committee, the Crown Prince said, "His Majesty the King has graciously designated me to preside over the opening ceremony. It's my great pleasure to welcome athletes and officials from all participating countries.

 "I hope that the SEA Games will be a great success and mark an obvious sign for the unity among South East Asian nations. Additionally, the competition will also help strengthen cordial ties among them. On behalf of His Majesty the King, I declare the 24th SEA Games open."

More than 8,500 students from 35 educational institutes performed in eight spectacular shows amid the reverberating music, the roar of athletes from 11 countries and the applause of the home crowd clad in yellow that packed the newly built 20,000 seat stadium.

The two-hour opening ceremony - built under the theme of Spirit, Friendship and Celebrations, began with a fantastic laser beam display that filled the entire stadium.

With a lot of imagery and symbolism, the performances commenced with "The Great King" show, followed by seven more performances consisting of Amazing I-San Wonders, Amazing Glorious Capital, Amazing Sports Ceremony, Amazing Royal Flame, Amazing Spirit, Amazing Friendship and Amazing Celebrations.

The Great King show was to honour His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej's relentless effort to nurture Thai people in all walks of life. One of the greatest scenes in the show was a giant replica of the Subhannahong Royal Barge which floated into the sky created on yellow laser beams with a dramatic effect.

The Amazing I-San Wonders and the Amazing Glorious Capital show reflected the splendid traditions and cultures of the host city Nakhon Ratchasima and the North East alike.

It was soon time for the last act of the Royal Flame run into the stadium to light the Games cauldron, which was the highlight of last night's ceremony.

Nakhon Ratchasima-born boxer Suriya Prasarthinpimai, who won the bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics, carried the Games Flame into the stadium before handing over to talented weightlifter Udomporn Polsak, the first-ever Thai woman to win the Olympic gold in the Athens Games and two gold medals at the 2004 World Weightlifting Championships in Canada.

The colourful explosion of fireworks brightened up the sky over the stadium and could be seen for several kilometres.

The Amazing Spirit, Amazing Friendship and Amazing Celebrations reflected the unity of athletes from all participating countries. As the organizers are keen on making the Games an eco-friendly one, a gigantic pink cloth with the words "Save the World" streamed into the stadium.

The grand opening owed its stunning display in part to designer Suppawat Jongsiri or Suppaksorn.

Preechachan Wiriyanupappong

 The Nation

Nakhon Ratchasima