Dancer Joaquin Cortes stars in dramatic opening ceremony of Seville 99 before Prince Felipe of Spain
20 August 1999 – Seville, Spain – The Opening Ceremony of the 7th IAAF World Championships was colourful, vibrant and symbolised not only the rich history of Seville but all the passion and zest for life which characterise Spain, and particularly the region of Andalusia. By the time the 7th World Championships was declared open by Prince Felipe of Asturias, culture, beauty, movement and music had merged to set the stage for the sporting heroes of the next nine days.
The ceremony began with the traditional hand-over and raising of the IAAF flag, and the centre of the stadium was decorated with gigantic allegorical motifs – representing the various stages of the history of Seville. From legendary origins through the Roman, Moorish and Baroque eras, Seville, and its great monuments, was represented at all times during the ceremony. At one point giant images of the Sevillian painter Velasquez were projected on to the stadium tribunes and at another giant laser beams created the image of the pillars of Hercules. Even the stage was creatively conceived to take the shape of the number 8 - part of the city’s famous emblem – NO8DO – which was a coded tribute ("No me ha dejado" -"Seville did not leave me") – from King Fernando III. But as well as the tribute to Seville itself, the ceremony created an ambience of light, warmth, and festive joy. It also evoked the memory of Hercules, the legendary founder of the city and archetype of a world beating athlete and the life-giving river Guadalquivir. Hercules, the boy, was represented by the 7 year-old Antonio Moreno while the renowned dancer Joaquin Cortes, became the adult Hercules with a routine demonstrating all his mastery of ballet and flamenco techniques.
For the first time at the World Championships the traditional march of athletes from the IAAF’s 204 member federations was incorporated into the spectacle as were the stadium spectators, who were given coloured fans to wave at different parts of the show. In all, 700 people contributed to its success.
The ceremony was conceived and directed by Manuel Coronado with the creative input of Choreographer Denisse Perdikiris, Set Designer Mark Fisher and Special Effects Director Reyes Abades. Costumes and props were designed by Pedro Moreno and Isabel Soto.
Musical highlights were supplied by the group Siempre Asi and Estrella Moreno while the original score was composed by Jose Nieto with the support of Jesus Bola and Diego Carrasco.
Special guests at tonight’s opening ceremony included:
Prince Felipe of Asturias
Infanta Doña Pilar de Borbon (King’s sister)
HM King Constantine
Minister of Culture for Spain - Mariano Rajoy
President of Junta Andalucia – Manuel Chavez
Mayor of Seville – Alfredo Sanchez Monteseirin
President LOC – President Diputacion of Seville - Luis Navarette
Juan Antonio Samaranch – President of International
Olympic Committee
Alfredo Goyeneche - President of Spanish Olympic Committee
7th IAAF World Championships - Seville - Opening Ceremony
Remarks by the IAAF President – 20 August 1999
Your Royal Highness
Ladies and Gentlemen
Tonight, Seville and her people can be very proud.
Tonight – Seville unites 204 countries and territories from around the world. Your dreams - your sacrifices - your hard work and dedication have made it possible to welcome more athletes here in Seville than in any previous single athletics event - ever. Once again, Athletics has shown its true universality here in Seville.
We are here to celebrate these World Championships because we believe in our athletes, and we believe in the fundamental values of our sport.
But these Championships are also an example of trust, peace and friendship for the entire world. We hope that such a great gathering of athletes and officials may send a message of understanding to the world. All the young people that will live and compete here in these days will show that they can overcome the barriers that divide us.
The World Athletics Movement appeals to the athletes and officials assembled here to spread this message to your countries and to your leaders in the interests of world peace.
Indeed, we must thank the athletes. All the athletes here create the foundation of success for these championships and our movement. We ask that you compete with honour and pride for yourselves and your countries.
Our movement also wishes to thank the His Highness, the Prince of Asturias - for having lent prestige and honour to our event. Your presence here this evening is a symbol of the youth, vibrancy and ideals that our sport strives to uphold.
Ladies and gentlemen, I now have the pleasure and the honour to invite His Royal Highness, the Prince of Asturias - to declare officially open the 7th IAAF World Championships in Seville ’99.
