September 15, 2010 – LEXINGTON, KY – 9 days to go – World-renowned boxing legend, humanitarian, global icon and Kentucky native Muhammad Ali will take center stage when the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games begin in Lexington, Ky., in nine days.
The Champ will join a cast of nearly 1,500 people, ages eight to 80, and almost 200 horses from as far away as Australia for an opening ceremonies celebration of dreams that will play tribute to the Games’ American debut with scenes of the prairie, Broadway, the Wild West, and the Deep South.
The show will journey through the history of horses and man as well as iconic moments in U.S. history and culture, beginning with America’s Native American heritage and a prayer for all nations by Lakota chiefs, and concluding with a Mardi Gras extravaganza that will see all cast members join together in a jubilant parade.
The two and a half hour show will include 40 different acts, including Kentuckian Wynonna Judd; opera stars Denyce Graves, Cynthia Lawrence and Ronan Tynan; Sara Lee Guthrie; Cherryholmes; and Jazz at Lincoln Center, among other notables.
“While the majority of our cast is ‘homegrown’ to showcase the talent bred in our Bluegrass region, this show will represent the global nature of the eight equestrian world championships,” said Dr. Everett McCorvey, executive producer of the opening and closing ceremonies. “We have an international collaboration of talent coming together and communicating through their artistry.”
Following in the tradition of World Equestrian Games’ opening ceremonies, a special musical score has been composed for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. McCorvey and his team entertained pieces from composers around the world and selected Jamie Burton of London, England. His “World Equestrian Games Fanfare” will debut at the opening ceremony with a 100-piece orchestra from the University of Kentucky.
Opening ceremony tickets are still available, but selling quickly. To secure your tickets today, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com or call 1-888-934-2010.
About the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States.
The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc., Meydan and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com.
About the Muhammad Ali Center
Muhammad Ali and his wife, Lonnie, founded the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky in 2005. On behalf of Ali’s home state, the cultural and education center that bears his name, and one of the Center’s important international partners — Alltech — he proudly makes this significant Opening Ceremonies appearance, similar to his historic appearance at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, GA.
The Muhammad Ali Center is a cultural attraction and international education center that is inspired by the ideals of Muhammad Ali. Featuring an award-winning visitor experience, educational and public programming, and global initiatives, the Ali Center reaches beyond its physical walls to fulfill its mission: To preserve and share the legacy and ideals of Muhammad Ali, to promote respect, hope and understanding, and to inspire adults and children everywhere to be as great as they can be.
About Alltech
Founded by Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech is a global animal health and nutrition company with 30 years’ experience in developing natural products that are scientifically proven to enhance animal health and performance. Headquartered in Nicholasville, Alltech trades in 120 countries and has 2,300 employees worldwide.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Amy Walker
Public Relations, Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
(859) 255-2010
Susanna Elliott
Public Relations, Alltech
(859) 473-2696
Jeanie Kahnke
Vice President of Communications, Muhammad Ali Center
(502) 992-5301