5 July 2005
117th INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE (IOC) SESSION GETS OFF TO A ROUSING START AT THE ESPLANADE
Vanda IOC Orchid Unveiled to Commemorate the Historic Occasion
Singapore, 5 July 2005 – The 117th IOC Session officially began this evening at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. Guest-of-honour, Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong; the President of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge; and President of the 117th IOC Session Singapore Organising Committee, Ng Ser Miang were present to commemorate the special evening that marks a momentous occasion in Singapore’s sporting history.
Welcoming his guests at the opening ceremony, Ng Ser Miang, said, “We are honoured to have with us in Singapore a most distinguished gathering of dignitaries and the world’s sports leaders. It is a great moment for Singaporeans, to be able to join the world in spirit and embrace the values of Olympism – of hope, equality, respect for others, friendship and fair play, dreams and inspiration, joy in effort“.
In honour of the 117th IOC Session, a number of firsts were unveiled at the opening ceremony. Guests were treated to a 45-minute production, “One Voice, One Rhythm, One World” created and directed by Singapore auteur, Glen Goei.
Inspired by the rhythm of Singapore’s soul, “One Voice, One Rhythm, One World” is an avant-garde performance celebrating Singapore’s vibrant fabric of multicultural diversity, vitality and unity in a journey of sights and sounds through the eyes of its lead character.
In addition, a new orchid hybrid - Vanda IOC, nurtured by the Singapore Botanic Gardens, was also unveiled and named in the presence of the distinguished guests. The Vanda IOC was pollinated seven years ago and claims the proud lineage of Singapore’s national flower - Vanda Miss Joaquim. The colours of this beautiful orchid complement the colours of the logo of the 117th IOC session held here in Singapore with the light peach sepals and petals bearing a shade of purple-lilac. Robust and free-flowering, this orchid reflects the enduring Olympic spirit.
About the 117th IOC Session in Singapore
The 117th IOC Session will be held in Singapore at the Raffles City Convention Centre from July 6 to 9 where the host city for the 2012 Olympic Games will be decided. The announcement ceremony for the successful host city will commence at 7.30pm on 6 July 2005 and will be broadcasted to more than 1 billion people worldwide. The Session will also take decisions on key policy issues and areas under its authority, including the review of the Olympic programme.
For more information, please visit http://www.singapore2005ioc.org.sg/
Enclosed
Photos available at 117th IOC Session website
A selection of high-resolution photos will be made available on the 117th IOC Session website for the media to download of the following:
- IOC Orchid
- Performances of the “One Voice, One Rhythm, One World”
The photos will be available from 11.30pm, 5 July 2005.
Please visit “Photo Gallery” at http://www.singapore2005ioc.org.sg/Media/Photo+Gallery.htm
Media Contact (on behalf of the Singapore Organising Committee for the 117th IOC Session)
Sheila Rasu Ronda Ng
Account Director Account Manager
Fulford Public Relations Fulford Public Relations
Phone: 6324 2269 Phone: 6324 5293
MP: 9828 7426 MP: 9152 2842
Email: srasu@fulfordpr.com Email: rng@fulfordpr.com