OPENING CEREMONY

In the tradition of the Olympic Games, the Rocky Mountain State Games will feature an Opening Ceremony, on Friday, August 4, at the Colorado Springs World Arena, to celebrate the beginning of the State Games weekend. 

The Opening Ceremonies at the Colorado Springs World Arena, will be a dazzling, high-energy, inspirational program for the 6,000 athletes, their families, and sports fans from across the state.

The Colorful kickoff to the State Games, sponsored by Cingular Wireless, will feature the traditional parade of athletes, appearances by Olympic and Paralympic athletes, a stunning laser show, a return engagement of the World's Number One Visual Variety Performer, "Christopher," and the traditional State Games relay and torch lighting.

Two-time U.S. Paralympian John Register has been selected as the celebrity athlete who will light the flame on the Arena floor to officially open the Games. Register won a silver medal at the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney in the long jump after competing in 1996 in the Atlanta Paralympic Games as a swimmer. He was a track and field All-American at the University of Arkansas and qualified for the Olympic Trials twice before a serious injury sustained in 1994 resulted in the amputation of his left leg. He served in the U.S. Army from 1988-1994 and was a Desert Shield and Desert Storm veteran.

"Christopher" made his inaugural Colorado Springs appearance last year at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2005 State Games of America and dazzled the sellout crowd of over 9,000 with his performance., which has entertained three U.S. Presidents, the late Prince Rainier of Monaco, and Great Britain's Princess Margaret. The versatile entertainer also travels with the NBC "Tonight" Show host, Jay Leno, and opens for the television star when he presents an evening for major groups nationwide.

The spectacular Laser show will be presented by Creative Consultants of Denver, an industry leader in staging concerts and shows that thrill and energize audiences.

Athletes will receive FREE admission to the Opening Ceremony. Spectators can purchase Opening Ceremony tickets, $8 for adults, $5 for youth (18 & under) & seniors (55+). Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketswest.com or (866) 464-2626.

4:00 - 6:30 p.m. - Pre-Ceremony festivities and t-shirt pick-up will take place from outside the World Arena
6:15 p.m. - Doors open
6:45 p.m. - Athletes line up for Parade of Athletes (southwest corner of World Arena Ice Hall, outside)
7:00 p.m. - Opening Ceremony begins

                                                            "Christopher"                                         "Laser Show Spectacular"

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  Opening Ceremony Sponsor