Bernama.com
November 06, 2008 01:03 AM
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 Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin in a colourful and glittering ceremony at the Sultan Mizan 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 thronged the 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 12th FEI WEC and Vice Chairman of Sultan Mizan Royal Foundation (the championship organiser) 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 performance featuring 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 countries competing in the championship in the 50,000-capacity stadium, in which the biggest cheers from the crowd were reserved for hosts Malaysia.
The highlight of the ceremony was the official opening ceremony performed by Tuanku Mizan who beat a gong three times accompanied by a performance from the Malaysian Drum Symphony on various drums found in Malaysia.
A magical light and sound performance then followed to the delight of the the spectators.
Another eye-catching performance was a stunning performance of horsemanhsip by Lorenzo and the Flying Frenchman.
The opening ceremony ended in a dazzling fireworks displays.
Held for first time in Malaysia and the second time in Asia, the 12th FEI WEC involves endurance horseback riding over a 160km trail, which must be completed within 13 hours and 20 minutes.
Apart from Malaysia as the host nation, the other countries contesting are South 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-member Malaysia team.
The 12th FEI WEC will be divided into two categories, individual and team. The flagging off ceremony will be performed this Friday at 5.30pm and the race is expected to be completed on Saturday morning at the Terengganu International Endurance Park in Lembah Bidong, Setiu.
-- BERNAMA