This story from reporter Alison Blanksby on Ten News Sydney, with an introduction by newsreader Ron Wilson, covers the opening ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games.

The story skilfully summarises the memorable event, giving a taste of the star-studded entertainment line-up including guitarist Nathan Cavaleri, Renee Geyer, Jeff St John, Yothu Yindi and Christine Anu, who sings her classic ‘My Island Home’. Kylie Minogue sings ‘Waltzing Matilda’ and then ‘Celebration’ after a glitzy costume change.

Legendary athlete Louise Sauvage takes the ‘finest honour’ of lighting the cauldron with the Paralympic torch. Children provide added colour and movement to the ceremony and footage of athletes from several different countries reminds viewers what the Games are about.

This is a fine example of television news coverage of Olympic and Paralympic opening and closing ceremonies. Stories like this one provide a record of important moments in Australia’s sporting and cultural history, capturing a snapshot of fireworks and light displays, packed stadiums, cheering crowds, eycatching costumes, jubilant athletes and outstanding music and performing artists of the time.

Excerpt from Ten News Sydney, broadcast on 19 October 2000.

Notes by Beth Taylor