Creative Team to Generate Passion for the Paralympics

The creative team for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2002 Paralympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City will be made up of leading talents from the event production world. The team will be headed by Creative Director Gary Paben, who was the force behind many world-class events, such as the Millennium Parade at Disney’s EPCOT Center and the halftime show at Super Bowl 2000.

“Gary is an exceptional choice to lead our Paralympic Ceremonies,” said Mitt Romney, President and CEO of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee (SLOC). “Gary has a passion for the Paralympic movement and for the achievements of Paralympic athletes. I expect we’ll see that passion come through in our 2002 productions.”

Members of the creative team include award-winning designer Michael J. Hotopp. Hotopp has won Emmy Awards for his television design work at the 1998 Nagano Olympics as well as the 1994 Lillehammer Games. Another member of the team is Gail Davies-Sigler, who will choreograph the Paralympic Ceremonies. Davies-Sigler has 21 years of experience in the entertainment business. In addition, Greg Smith will be the primary composer for the Paralympic Ceremonies. Smith's credits cover a wide range of television and commercial work.

The Opening Ceremony of the 2002 Paralympic Games will take place on 7 March 2002 at the Rice-Eccles Olympic Stadium. The Closing Ceremony will be held on 16 March 2002 at the Utah Olympic Oval.