KUALA TERENGGANU: The 2008 FEI-World Endurance Championship began with a lavish opening ceremony at Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Gong Badak yesterday.

There was a fireworks display to song and dance routines by popular artistes. The crowd of about 50,000 were having fun while witnessing a historic moment when the country played host to the prestigious event for the first time.

The championship held from today to Sunday at Terengganu International Endurance Park in Lembah Bidong, Setiu was declared open by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.

Joining the king at the ceremony was Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said, Federation Equestrian International director Ian Williams and Championship chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor.
The crowd started arriving as early as 7.30pm and were entertained by local entertainers such as Saleem, Mila AF5, Ameng Spring, Kelvin Lau, Kogee and Haziq.

There was also a dance performance entitled "Malaysia Welcomes the World" to welcome the 133 riders from the 32 countries competing in the 160km endurance horse race, reputedly the toughest horse race in the world.

This was followed by a parade with the participants, led by a team of "kuda kepang" dancers from Taman Seni Budaya Johor, and flag bearers representing the countries.

The fun-filled event continued after the opening with a light and sound show accompanied by "Mentera Semerah Padi", a song performed by renowned singer M. Nasir, followed by star performers Ramli Sarip, Jamal Abdillah, Ella and Mawi.

Highlights of the night came from the spectacular fireworks display and Lorenzo Horse Show where horse riders proved their riding skills by performing acrobatically on the back of the animals.

Ahmad Said, in his speech earlier said as much as the state government wanted to place Te-rengganu on the world map, it was also keen to make the event truly memorable to all participants.

He was delighted to see many people from all over the world finding their way here and hoped they would take a little time to explore the state's historical, cultural and natural attractions.

Ahmad Said added that the organisers had been meticulous in their preparation and he hoped everyone would be satisfied with the facilities and overall organisation and leave with fond memories of the championship.