Large-scale outdoor production agent with Olympic and Commonwealth Games credentials appointed to create, produce, and stage Doha 2006's Opening and Closing Ceremonies

Doha, 5 April 2005: The Doha Asian Games Organising Committee (DAGOC) today announced the appointment of the David Atkins Enterprises (DAE) of Australia as the Producer and Artistic Director of the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 Opening and Closing Ceremonies. David Atkins owner and founder of (DAE) was the Artistic Director of the spectacular Opening and Closing Ceremonies at Sydney 2000 Olympics.

"We are delighted that DAE will direct the opening and closing ceremonies and are excited to see the results of this company, not only on the Games which are already poised to be the best ever, but also on the desired legacy it will help create in Qatar. DAE will work closely with DAGOC's local team of professionals and this I'm sure will enrich our local experience in such mega events", said Abdullah Khalid Al Qahtani, Director General of DAGOC.

"With DAE on board now, our objective and determination are brought to another level of reality in which the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 promises to be the most spectacular Asian Games witnessed, and will be remembered for years to come", Al Qahtani continued.

Amongst their extensive body of work on large scale outdoor events, DAE have through its founder, David Atkins, and Co Artistic Director Ignatius Jones have been responsible for the Production and Artistic Direction of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of The Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, including the memorable Sydney Harbour Fireworks Spectacular for the Closing Ceremony, and have Directed and Produced the Melbourne Handover Ceremony for Manchester 2002 - Commonwealth Games, The Australian Rugby League Grand Final - Half Time Spectacular, the Sydney Millennium Celebrations in 2000, as well as the landmark Independence Ceremonies of East Timor.

"The opening and closing ceremonies are crucial to the overall feel, theme and success of the Games. It requires large-scale, multi-discipline and multi-event experience covering numerous areas ranging from artistic direction, scripting and devising the show, to developing the theme and producing and choreographing on the day", continued Al Qahtani.

Nevertheless, in Doha 2006, DAE's team will have to educate themselves about the region in general and is expected to seek extensive feedback about the society, culture and heritage of the host city, Doha.

"Doha maintains a balance between its heritage and its role as an economic hub in the region. The ceremonies will reflect the cultural heritage and traditions of hospitality of the host city in a unique blend with the vibrant growth of the nation, its vision and aspirations." Al-Qahtani concluded.

DAGOC may be expected to put strong emphasis on their confidence for the Games' success, yet it would be hard to disagree when faced with the rich roots of the cultural and heritage local Qatari talents.

"The Ceremonies and Cultural Events Department at DAGOC is currently in the process of producing a number of publications about Qatari culture, some of which are first timers in Qatar like Qatar Talent Bank with the objective to orientate DAE on Qatari heritage. This will help DAE add local flavour while developing the creative concept of the events", said Sharif Hashisho, Director of Ceremonies and Cultural Events at DAGOC.

"We will take all our previous experience, knowledge and imagination to make the Ceremonies of the 15th Asian Games in Doha 2006 a truly memorable experience that will be talked about for years to come", said David Atkins.

"We will make sure that both the opening and closing ceremonies will be landmark events. It is our commitment and undertaking to deliver Ceremonies to a level beyond anything seen at any of the past Asian Games. It is our intention to set a new benchmark for International Ceremonies", David continued.

"We intend to achieve this by combining cutting edge technology and innovation with homage to the culture and history of Qatar, the Region and the participating Asian countries. We promise that the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 Ceremonies will be groundbreaking and contain effects and technology never before seen in any Olympic or International Ceremonies", David concluded.

Doha 2006's spectators and viewers across the world will to be treated to the most spectacular ceremonies the Asian Games, and perhaps all sporting events, have seen to date.

-Ends- 

Note for the editor:
The Doha Asian Games Organising Committee is responsible for the overall planning, overseeing and executing of all the elements to produce a harmonised and triumphant 15th Asian Games in Doha 2006. The success of the Games will project Qatar's flourishing and unlimited capabilities and present it as a significant hub for: sports, technology, education and tourism.

The Asian Games is the second largest international sporting event after the International Summer Olympic Games. It brings together countries from all over Asia and consists of some sports not very well known on all international levels.

The First Asian Games took place in New Delhi in 1951 and welcomed 11 countries playing in just six sports. Now 55 years later, the Games is expecting 45 different countries who will participate in 39 competitive sports totalling 412 events.

For Press and Media Contact Information about DAGOC contact:
Wael M. Barghouti
Head of Media Relations
Marketing & Public Relations Department
Doha Asian Games Organizing Committee
Suhaim bin Hamad Street
Telephone: +974 448 2492
Facsimile:  +974 447 9607
Mobile: +974 5546518
P.O. Box 32006, Doha - State of Qatar
email: wbarghouti@dagoc2006.org
Website: http://www.doha-2006.com

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© Press Release 2005