|
Following eleven days of international competition across Birmingham, AL, fans and athletes gathered once again at Protective Stadium this evening for the Closing Ceremonies of The World Games 2022. The all-star event featured historic performances celebrating the theme One World-One People: Celebrating Legacy, Achievement & Unity. Presented by Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, the grand finale marked the conclusion of the first World Games held in the United States since 1981, and included the official passing of The World Games Flag, the first step on the road to The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China.
Performance highlights of the two+ hour Closing Ceremony extravaganza included:
- Global Superstar and Alabama native, Lionel Richie’s headlining performance which marked his first concert in the state in more than two decades
- Mezzo soprano and Birmingham-native Allison Sanders performing the Alabama state song
- Alabama singer Randy Owen leading a historic performance of the Music of the World Games theme song “Hope of Alabama,” joined by many of the evening’s marquee artists and an array of gospel, classical and youth choirs
- Alabama family trio and NBC’s The Voice contestants Worth The Wait singing a special rendition of The National Anthem
- Blind Boys of Alabama and Jamey Johnson performing the gospel standard “I Saw The Light” together, accompanied by dancers from Alabama State University
- Alabama American Idols Bo Bice, Taylor Hicks, and Ruben Studdard in performance together joined by a full color guard, Alabama dance company M.A.D. Skillz, and the Alabama State University Ballet
- A performance by gospel musician and 5x Stellar Award winner Pastor Mike Jr., accompanied by M.A.D. Skillz
- A performance by a group of Divine Nine steppers and drumline celebrating the rich history of HBCUs in Alabama
- A music, dance and film presentation highlighting the culture of The World Games 2025 host city Chengdu, China
GRAMMY Award-winning composer and World Games Artistic Director Dr. Henry Panion, who wrote more than 40 new compositions and arrangements to be performed across the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, said "Tonight's Closing Ceremonies showcased and celebrated the very best of Alabama in presentations that were both festive and reflective, commemorating our past and articulating the hope of our future."
Jimmy Carter of The Blind Boys of Alabama who performed tonight says “We are very happy to have been a part of history at the World Games Closing Ceremony. Many of our friends are here today, such as one of my best friends Jamey Johnson, Alabama, and the Artistic Director of the Games, Dr. Henry Panion. I’m so proud that Birmingham and the state of Alabama hosted this celebration!”
|
