Over the weekend, the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 presented by Jaguar Land Rover came to a close withthe closing ceremony produced by experience agency, GPJ Australia.
Invictus Games Foundation patron His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex officially closed the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 at the ceremony that took place at Qudos Bank Arena for the 500 competitors and more than 1,000 of their families and friends.
The success of Saturday night follows from the opening ceremony, also produced by GPJ and held on the Sydney Opera House forecourt on Saturday 20th October.
After meeting the competitors as they came off the boats once one of Sydney’s worst thunderstorms abated, the entire GPJ production team were determined to deliver the full show for the amazing competitors.
Highlights from the opening ceremony included beginning with the Australian Army Pipes and Drums playing ‘You’re the Voice’ and the collaborative performance of Kate Cerebano/Ian Moss/ William Barton playing ‘Flame Trees’ along with a cameo performance by Sharon Strzelecki (Magda Szubanski).
The highlights of the closing ceremony included an electric atmosphere, the emotion of the competition, the elation and pride from the family and friends, all the acts. The backstage excitement was palpable with the team and talent commitment to making this the most exciting Invictus Games event for the competitors.
Acts included Chris Tamwoy, Marliya Choir, Birds of Tokyo, Starley, Colin Hay and the audience singing ‘Down Under’, Kingdom Choir and Aloe Blacc. The Grand Finale saw the audience singing ‘Wake Me Up’ with Aloe Blacc and brought tears of joy to the crowds at the event.
Patrick Kidd OBE, Invictus Games Sydney 2018 CEO, said: “The production team of GPJ went above and beyond to deliver exceptional Ceremonies that Australia can be truly proud of.”
Caleb Bush, managing director of GPJ Australia, said: “I have been personally and professionally inspired by these games. From the amazing feats achieved by the unconquered competitors to the diligence of our outstanding ceremonies teams and suppliers. It’s been a truly uplifting experience that I have cherished and will never forget.”
Invictus Games Sydney 2018 was the fourth Invictus Games with 500 competitors from 18 nations competing in 11 medal sports supported by 1,000 family and friends and over 110,000 spectators, broadcast globally.
