Closing Ceremonies
The closing ceremonies of the Games were held at the Quirino Grandstand on December 5, marking the end of the successful event. The Philippines, for the first time in the history of the Games, emerged as the champions after 28 years of fluctuating performances and medal tallying.
The Philippines passed on the SEA Games Federation Flag, as a sign of the completion of its hosting job, to the next host country, Thailand. Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister, Suwat Liptapanlop, was present to receive the flag. The Thai Olympic Committee will make the 24th edition of the games the most spectacular sporting event in its history, as the opening date also commemorates the 80th birth anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Thai dancers graced the stage to provide spectators with a glimpse of what the athletes would expect in Nakhon Ratchasima. It was an amazing performance, featuring "Amazing Thailand" as the background.
It was a spectacular night as the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra and San Miguel Master Chorale, under the baton of Mr. Ryan Cayabyab, added luster to renditions of Filipino classics.
The closing ceremony ended with a bang. The "One Big Heart" rally rushed the stage with all of the athletes participating. It was one big party. Tribal dancers were everywhere. Confetti showered the crowds. Lights danced to the rhythm of drums, and DJs spun records - adding music and chanting to the background. The celebration ended with a spectacular fireworks display as all of the athletes danced to the tune of unity and prosperity; probably the greatest, and the most beautiful, closing ceremony in the history of the Games.
Read more about this topic: 2005 Southeast Asian Games
Famous quotes containing the words closing and/or ceremonies:
“And if the stage-dark head rehearse
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And throw the tough cortex away....”
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“All ceremonies are in themselves very silly things; but yet, a man of the world should know them. They are the outworks of Manners and Decency, which would be too often broken in upon, if it were not for that defence, which keeps the enemy at a proper distance.”
—Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl Chesterfield (1694–1773)