05/29/2001

The Corrs Headline the Opening Gala of the 2001 Goodwill Games

Irish music sensation The Corrs will headline the opening gala of the 2001 Goodwill Games at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Aug. 28, in Queensland, Australia, Goodwill Games officials announced today. The Corrs will be joined by a collection of other big-name musicians and local talents.

"We are very much looking forward to taking part in the opening gala and helping kick-off the 2001 Goodwill Games," said Andrea Corr, lead vocalist. "Sports, like music, have a terrific bonding effect, helping to bring together people from all races and creeds," added Corr.

The Games' Athlete Ambassadors, a full symphony orchestra, a 1,000-member choir and 2,000 young, local entertainers will all play a part in the celebratory event as the world shifts its focus to Brisbane to witness the biggest, multi-sporting event of the year. With a combination of ceremony, pageantry and music, the celebration will showcase Australia's history, culture and youth.

"It will be one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities where audiences will get to see Australia's best performers share the stage with top international talent," said opening gala artistic director Patrick Burns.

Gala organizers are expecting a sellout crowd of 9,000 people. In anticipation, Games officials have organized countless activities in which spectators can partake while in Brisbane for the Goodwill Games. The theme of the Games' stay in Australia is RED - Paint the Town.

Breakfast with Ted Turner, a golf outing, a Goodwill Games race day and nightly street entertainment all herald the 2001 Games. A formal ball is also on the long list of festivities. Named A Splash of Rouge, the ball is scheduled for Aug. 25. Other activities include free, nightly concerts at the river and performances by the Queensland Ballet, the Queensland Theatre Company and the Global Arts Link.

"It is about extending the excitement of the Games from the playing field to the general community. Spectators can watch the world's greatest athletes in action and then augment their experiences with some of our fantastic entertainment," said Burns.

The 2001 Goodwill Games, hosted by Brisbane, Australia, will take place Aug. 29 - Sept. 9 and will feature 14 sports during 12 days of competition. The Goodwill Games will host an elite field of competitors in athletics, basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, cycling (track), diving, figure skating, gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, surf lifesaving, swimming, trampoline, triathlon and weightlifting. In addition to the 2001 Goodwill Games in Brisbane, Australia, plans have begun for the 2005 Winter Goodwill Games in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Goodwill Games, Inc. is a division of Turner Sports, the sports programming and production unit of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.

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