BERLIN - AUGUST 14: Performers act during the opening ceremony for the 12th IAAF World Championships in Athletics on August 14, 2009 in Berlin, Germany (© Getty Images)
The Brandenburg Gate in Pariser Platz, one of the most iconic architectural landmarks of the German Capital, was at the centre of a monumentally spectacular opening night at the Berlin 2009 KulturStadion presented by Samsung which is situated in front of its marble columns and victory statue.
The two-hour long ‘Welcome Night’ of music, dance and fireworks which attracted approximately 10,000 spectators and hundreds of athletes and dignitaries including IOC President Jacques Rogge, was opened with speeches by IAAF President Lamine Diack and Klaus Wowereit, Governing Mayor of the City of Berlin.
Joining the dancers, a Jazz Big Band, pop and rock musicians and singers on the huge stage which spanned the entire width of the Brandenburg Gate, were eight legends of our sport: Sergey Bubka, Sebastian Coe, Frank Fredericks, Armin Hary, Heike Henkel, Wilson Kipketer, Nawal El Moutawakel, and Willi Wülbeck.
The evening ended with the playing of “Foot of the Mountain”, the World Championships title song which was performed by A-Ha, and when this famous Norwegian group finished their short set the sky above Pariser Platz burst into colourful light with a dazzling pyrotechnic display set to music.
To read more about the daily programme of events and entertainment which will take place at the Berlin 2009 KulturStadion presented by Samsung until 23 August: click here for information
IAAF
