SEA Games 2015: A show to remember

SINGAPORE — The opening ceremony for this year’s South-east Asian (SEA) Games in Singapore is set to be the most technically-demanding show here to date.

Organisers of the SEA Games’ opening and closing ceremonies today (Jan 15) revealed details of the opening show, which will involve an extensive aerial system enabling performers and props to “fly” in a stadium in Singapore for the first time.

Up to 160 multimedia projectors will also be used to produce the largest high-definition floor projection, while every member of the audience will be given a medallion each to collectively form a giant LED video screen as part of the show’s interactive element.

Spearheading the ceremonies will be the Singapore Armed Forces, supported by a creative team led by its creative director Beatrice Chia-Richmond and about 5,000 performers and volunteers, and 3,500 soldiers.

Singapore is hosting the SEA Games — the region’s biggest multi-sport event — for the first time since 1993.

The SEA Games, which take place from June 5 to 16, is part of events leading up to Singapore’s 50th National Day celebrations on Aug 9. Speaking at the announcement at the Sports Hub’s Black Box Auditorium, Singapore SEA Games Organising Committee (SINGSOC) chairman Lim Teck Yin said the aim is to come up with a show that people would remember for a lifetime.

“It is our turn to host the SEA Games after 22 years and it will happen during Singapore’s Golden Jubilee,” said Lim, who is also CEO of Sport Singapore. “The occasion calls for a fitting celebration; one that will bring communities together and invoke a sense of pride and ownership in Singaporeans.”

Priority sale of tickets to the opening and closing ceremonies start today for individuals who have registered their interest last year. The general public can purchase tickets to both ceremonies from 10am on Jan 22 onwards.

The tickets, which are sold on a zonal basis, are priced from S$12 to S$60 for the opening ceremony, and S$12 to S$40 for the closing ceremony. Students, senior citizens and full-time National Serviceman can enjoy concession prices.

In a bid to encourage more to attend the ceremonies, there is also a 20 percent discount off every purchase of four or more tickets.

The Sports Hub will be the main venue for the SEA Games which will feature 36 sports, with an estimated 7,000 athletes and officials from 11 ASEAN nations expected here.