MALAYSIAN KING OFFICIALLY OPENS FEI WEC

KUALA TERENGGANU (Malaysia), Nov 6 (Bernama) -- The 12th FEI World
Endurance
Championship (FEI WEC) was officially declared open by the Malaysian King Tuanku
Mizan Zainal Abidin in a colourful and glittering ceremony at the Sultan Mizan
Zainal Abidin Stadium, Gong Badak Sports Complex in this capital of East Coast
state of Terengganu Wednesday night.

The ceremony's main theme highlighted Terengganu's uniqueness -- its
friendly people and gentle way of life.

Prior to the arrival of VIPs, the local and foreign spectators who thronged
the stadium as early as 7.30pm were entertained by well-known Malaysian singers.

Among the VIPs who attended the opening ceremony were Deputy Prime Minister
Najib Razak, Terengganu Chief Minister Ahmad Said, Information Minister Ahmad
Shabery Cheek, Youth and Sports Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Chief Operating
Officer of the 12th FEI WEC and Vice Chairman of Sultan Mizan Royal Foundation
(the championship organiser) Dr. Salleh Mohd Nor, and FEI Non-Olympics Sports
Director, Lan Williams.

This was followed by the arrival of the Malaysian King Tuanku Mizan Zainal
and his consort Tuanku Nur Zahirah.

The official ceremony then started off with the singing of the national
athem.

Following this, the King and Queen, dignitaries,and spectators were treated
to a colorful and spectacular dance performance featuring the culture and
traditions that are unique to the East Coast state as well as their rich marine
life and tourism attractions.

This was followed by the march past by the 133 riders from 32 countries
competing in the championship in the 50,000-capacity stadium, in which the
biggest cheers from the crowd were reserved for hosts Malaysia.

The highlight of the ceremony was the official opening ceremony performed
by Tuanku Mizan who beat a gong three times accompanied by a performance from
the Malaysian Drum Symphony on various drums found in Malaysia.

A magical light and sound performance then followed to the delight of the
the spectators.

Another eye-catching performance was a stunning performance of horsemanhsip
by Lorenzo and the Flying Frenchman.

The opening ceremony ended in a dazzling fireworks displays.

Held for first time in Malaysia and the second time in Asia,
the 12th FEI WEC involves endurance horseback riding over a 160km trail, which
must be completed within 13 hours and 20 minutes.

Apart from Malaysia as the host nation, the other countries contesting are
South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica,
Colombia, Guatemala, Germany, Holland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Oman,
France, Portugal, Qatar, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates,
United States and Britain.
Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin will led the 12-member Malaysia
team.

The 12th FEI WEC will be divided into two categories, individual and team.
The flagging off ceremony will be performed this Friday at 5.30pm and the race
is expected to be completed on Saturday morning at the Terengganu International
Endurance Park in Lembah Bidong, Setiu, near here.
-- BERNAMA