The evening of miracles at the 4th Asian Beach Games 2014 opening ceremony

PHUKET - The 4th Asian Beach Games kicked off with an evening of miracles on 14 November.

Taking place at the Saphan Hin Public Park, near Phuket Town, the celebration filled the venue with memorable atmosphere, boasting five extravagant performances. Spectacular fireworks display temporarily painted the skies over the Andaman Sea with magnificent sights and sounds as the international multi-sport event was declared open.

Privy Councillor and the Royal Representative, General Surayud Chulanont, presided over the ceremony. Olympic Council of Asia President, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, and Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, H.E. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, delivered speeches.

The traditional parade of athletes was represented by delegations from 42 National Olympic Committees, which altogether sent 2,400 athletes to compete in 26 sports and 163 events.

The opening ceremony and the Games itself fully illustrates why Phuket is known as “the Pearl of the Andaman Sea” given the island’s lush, tropical setting with the shimmering Andaman Sea in the background. Phuket is one of Thailand’s top tourist destinations.

The 4th Asian Beach Games is taking place from 14 to 23 November.

sourced:traveldailynews.asia