Held at the Gran Teatro Imperial of PortAventura Park’s China theme area on 25 November, the opening ceremony included a welcome speech delivered by Arturo Mas-Sardà, Chairman of the Board of PortAventura World. Following this, the traditional parade of the delegations participating at the games took place, after which the official Special Olympics flag was presented and the torch was lit. Finally, the spectators were treated to a Christmas show at the Gran Teatro.
The ceremony was also attended by Carles Pellicer, Major of Reus, and Miguel Sagarra, President of Special Olympics Spain, who enjoyed a magical evening along with the rest of the guests. During the ceremony emphasis was placed on promoting a world without frontiers or flags, where the athletes took centre stage.
After the opening ceremony, a party was held at PortAventura World’s El Paso Hotel, where the delegation members stayed during the Special Olympic Games.
PortAventura Business & Events handled logistics, including welcoming and accommodating the 800 athletes from all over Spain and another 18 countries, together with 200 trainers, 400 voluntary workers, 100 voluntary medical staff and members of the organization, for the 2016 Special Olympic Games Spain, the most important sports event in the world for people with intellectual disabilities.
