Inaugurated Asian Para Games in Jakarta

Jakarta, Indonesia - October 6th 2018 - On occasion of Indonesia 2018, the 3rd edition of the Asian Paralympic Games, Balich Worldwide Shows has been chosen to create and produce the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, together with the Indonesian company Royalindo Convention International.

The Opening Ceremony of the most prestigious multi-sport event organized by the Asian Olympic Council, hosted today in Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, has just ended.

Marco Balich, Executive Creative Director, said: «An Olympic Ceremony can be a statement for the future especially when people need the courage to be stronger against adversities. But first of all a Paralympic Ceremony gives the amazing opportunity to celebrate the strength of the athletes participating to the Games, that for me are real heroes. With their performances they convey how diversity is a value and disability becomes an ability».

"We Are One" is representation of the spirit of the Indonesia 2018 Asian Para Games. The whole ceremony was conducted around a circle-shaped logo representing the harmony that is created by the many nations in Asia, shining as one and becoming an inspiration to the world. "We Are One" is also a philosophy, a manifesto of inclusive living. Humanity sets the tone for the whole ceremony, that centres around the idea of embracing differences and celebrating diversities.

Balich continued: «It was a great honour for us to be chosen together with Royalindo to realize the Asian Para Games Ceremonies. After more than 20 Olympic and Paralympic Ceremonies we know these are the best occasion to showcase a country’s history, creativity and cultural diversity to the world».

The athletes are the soul of a ceremony that tells the story of their overcoming challenges powered by passion and strength. The slogan "Inspiring Spirit and Energy of Asia" aims to unite Asia, to motivate people to be positive, and to support social equality.

Anghela Aló, Creative Director, said: «Close the eyes that see differences and open the heart to feel as one. Indonesia, the cradle of diversity, is the place where differences are not only accepted, but thrive. That out of one, we can produce many. And out of many, we can become one, embracing everyone, despite our differences, no human was born more or less. We are perfectly who we are meant to be we are here to inspire, to love, to give energy, to show our ability beyond the limits of prejudices».

The stage design concept with its curved shape resembles the line of the equator that crosses the islands of Indonesia as the gems of the equator. Every Indonesian traditional architecture structure, motive and element is a combination of curves and lines that represents nature; rice paddy terraces, slanted hills and clouds in the sky. This bears the message that everything inspired from nature is manifested best in life.

After the official speeches one minute of silence was called by the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo before the opening of the games to remember the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Sulawesi.

FACTS AND FIGURES

FIRST ASIAN PARALYMPIC GAMES IN INDONESIA

CAST: 849 performers for 2,604 roles

PROPS: 4,816

SCENIC ELEMENTS: 18

COSTUMES: 1,304 (and 514 hats)

TEAM: 207 persons

SUPPLIERS: 1,000 persons

VOLUNTEERS: 8,000 (for the entire Indonesia 2018 Paralympic Games)

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