CYG2011 Ceremonies Launch

Submitted on: Nov 18, 2010

Geoff Karran, Chairman of the Organising Committee, said, “With less than 300 days until the opening ceremony, plans are now in full swing to deliver a Games that the Island can be proud of. This is the most important multi sporting event that the Island has ever hosted and it is essential that it begins in spectacular fashion. With that in mind, I am delighted to officially launch plans for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games.”
Manchester based company Walk the Plank have been appointed to produce the ceremonies and at a presentation at the Villa Marina, outlined their vision for the opening ceremony.
Liz Pugh, Artistic Director of Walk the Plank, said, “The beginning of the ceremony is inspired by Manx folklore, magic and marauding Vikings and will be executed to a thunderous soundtrack and spectacular pyrotechnics. This will then give way to the spirit of youth, dances of the world and the Carnival of the Commonwealth. We are committed to putting on a great show befitting the importance of the Games and proudly representing the Isle of Man to a global television audience.”
Walk the Plank are no strangers to major events in the Isle of Man and are best known to the Island for their theatre ship and TT fireworks display.
Alongside Walk the Plank, local hip hop dance teacher David Cowley (of Represent Dance Company and Kinetix Crew) was introduced as the Assistant Artistic Director for the ceremonies. Mr Cowley addressed local schools in the hope of recruiting young volunteer performers.

David Cowley said, “We are looking to recruit about 150 enthusiastic young people between the ages of 13 and 18 to take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity to represent the Island on the international stage. It doesn’t matter if you are not a dancer or performer, if you are enthusiastic and can commit to attending rehearsals, there will be a role for you.”
The Opening Ceremony of the Games is to be held on Thursday 8th September 2011 at the newly refurbished Bowl and the Closing Ceremony will take place at the Villa Marina on Monday 12th September 2011.
Minister of Department of Community, Culture and Leisure, Hon David Cretney MHK, said today, “Having been the Minister who was responsible for securing the CYG in my former role at Department of Tourism and Leisure and recently obtaining the funding for the refurbishment of the Bowl, King George V Park, I am really pleased at the progress being made and cannot wait to welcome the nations of the Commonwealth to our little nation.”
All 71 nations of the Commonwealth will be represented at the most prestigious sporting event the Isle of Man has ever hosted. The featured sports are: Athletics, Rugby, Swimming, Badminton, Gymnastics, Cycling and Boxing.

Quantity : Add to Cart