Lusofonia Games closing ceremony to pack `sporting` punch

Panaji: The closing ceremony of the ongoing Lusofonia Games here, which was to be held at Athletic stadium in Bambolim on January 29, has been shifted to Jawaharlal Nehru stadium at Fatorda on public demand.

State arts and culture director Prasad Lolayekar told reporters here that Goa`s showman Francisco Martins and his team will be organising a colourful float parade which will visually depict all the beach state, its people, culture and sights. Martins has earlier put up several award-winning state floats for the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. Celebrated theatre director Bansi Kaul, the creative brain behind the orchestration of the opening ceremony, will also be in-charge of the closing ceremony. Kaul, who had been specially chosen by the Lusofonia Games organisers for the task, was awarded the coveted Padmashri last week. Top Goan artists will also take centre-stage at the closing ceremony. Among those likely to put up electrifying performances are the famous dance duo of Jason and Sylvia along with their troupe, well known singer Hema Sardessai, Lalan Desai and Group, Kalangan from Margao along with Elvis Goes and his group. A sports segment specially put together by Navin Acharya and group will also be a part of the closing ceremony. The 34 torch bearers will also be felicitated during the event that will be lit up by an colourful laser beam show and sparkling fireworks.