When you have a major athletic event, with thousands of participants, you need a bit of pomp and ceremony to kick things off.
For that, the B.C. Seniors Games has Susan Magnusson, director of ceremonies.
Magnusson, principal of the Langley Community Music School, has already overseen the first torch lighting ceremony in June.
Now she’s working to put the finishing touches on the opening and closing ceremonies for the games themselves.
The opening will take place on Sept. 10, one day after the start of competition, and the closing on Sept. 13.
The Langley Events Centre will be the site for the opening ceremonies, and even its arena floor can’t possibly hold every one of the more than 3,900 participants from around the province. Marshalling all those people will be one of her key challenges, Magnusson said.
“I understand this is going to be the largest games ever,†said Magnusson.
The plan is to fill the stadium floor with the 900 participants from Zone 3, the Lower Mainland zone that includes Langley.
The seats will also be filled – by the other participants, and also by any members of the public who want to come by and see the free show.
Mayors from both Langleys and other dignitaries will welcome the athletes, and there will be entertainment.
However, Magnusson isn’t saying exactly what is planned for the evening’s festivities. She wants to keep it under wraps until the night itself.
Magnusson was tapped for this project after similarly organizing the 2010 Summer Games ceremonies.
“It was a great experience,†she said. She’s looking forward to this event as well.
Magnusson is helped by a team composed of Alicia Stark, Dave Stark, Leanne Wendt, Stewart Magnusson and Ian Crew.