GLP Supports Special Olympics Opening Ceremony in Berlin

The 2023 Special Olympics World Games was held in Berlin, Germany from the 17th June, using a GLP lighting system. Over 7,000 athletes from 190 countries participated in 26 sports, making it the world's largest inclusive sports event. The opening ceremony, held in the iconic Olympic Stadium, featured a spectacular 360° light show organised by the phase7 performing.arts collective and a huge array of ceremony-ready lighting from GLP.

Lighting designer Flo Erdmann used over 300 GLP moving lights, including the impression X5 and impression X5 IP Bar, to enhance the event. Adjustments were limited to the stadium fixtures due to the absence of a stage rig.

"The requirement at this point was clearly to use IP-certified LED bars," Erdmann said. It was his first use of the new weatherproof batten from GLP's impression X5 series and one of the first large-scale uses in Germany.

The 120 impression X5 washlights were installed at constant intervals around the railings behind the first upper tier, from where they served as spots and backlights for the audience.

"The output and colour mixing of both X5 models was simply excellent – both in the white light range and in the colours," Erdmann said. “Word has now got around. We were able to use two models from the X5 series for the first time at the Special Olympics World Games, which of course was extremely practical because no significant adjustments were required and, for example, presets are common to all GLP fixtures.”

Last but not least, the high availability on the market also played a role in his choice of lights: “Right from the start, the X5 series was very well received in the market, including dry hire – so I was confident that I would be able to procure a larger quantity.”

Erdmann generally favours GLP products in his designs. He said that, “There are many reasons to like GLP. On the one hand, they keep bringing really innovative devices with a long service life onto the market. From a sustainability point of view, this is important to me. In addition, all GLP fixtures are extremely reliable. With around 300 moving lights, we didn't have a single failure or other problem. GLP produces real workhorses that you can rely on. Communication is also excellent. The team is always available when I need support. Thanks to GLP for partially sponsoring the lamps, which enabled us to give athletes a strong, glamorous performance at the Special Olympics World Games.”

Phase7 Performing Arts collaborated with mediapool Veranstaltungsgesellschaft on behalf of the LOC to plan, implement, and creatively design the opening ceremony. The production was led by Raphael Grebenstein as the lighting director and show light operator. Johannes Laugwitz served as the key light operator, and Ole Güllich and Younes Rellmann were the gaffers.