World on Stage 2024 Pan-American Masters Games Centennial Peace Plaza Cleveland Cultural Gardens July 20, 2024
Cleveland was the proud host of the 2024 Pan-American Masters Games from July 12-21, 2024. There were a variety of Special Events for the athletes and other visitors including the
World on Stage international concert hosted by the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.
Greater Cleveland Sports Commission Pan Am Masters Game Team Members
In conjunction with the 2024 Pan-American Masters Games, the July 20 celebration featured performances by the Kwan Family Lion Dance Team, PIAST Polish Folk Ensemble and Djapo Cultural Arts Institute. During intermission, 24 trees, that were recently planted near Centennial Peace Plaza in honor of the Games and their impact on Northeast Ohio, were dedicated.
Flags of over 50 nations circled the Plaza.
The MC for the evening was WKYC Reporter Candace Hare.
WKYC Reporter and MC Candace Hare
After welcoming the crowd she introduced the Kwan Family Lion Dance team. George Kwan said that his family has been performing the traditional Chinese Lion Dance in Cleveland for about 44 years. He explained to the audience how the Lion is supposed to ward off evil spirits and usher in good luck. He also got the audience standing up and going through some of the moves that the Lion would be doing. Then they performed the Lion Dance. Here is a video of their performance.
Next, a brief, special ceremony was held celebrate the 24 trees recently planted within the Cleveland Cultural Gardens which are a lasting legacy of the 2024 Pan Am Masters Games in Cleveland.
MC Candace Hare introduced Dr. Wael Khoury, president of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation, for these remarks.
Dr. Wael Khoury
Next, Pan Am Masters Games Exec Director Rachael Stentz-Baugher spoke and recognized and thanked her boss David Gilbert, President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission. She also recognized and thanked Jennifer Lennox, Director of Public Relations for The Davey Tree Resource Group, who was instrumental in the legacy gift of the trees.
Rachael Stentz-Baugher
MC Candace Hare introduced Cailyn Andrews of Great Lakes Trees Initiative and then Lori Ashyk, Executive Director of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation, for their remarks.
Cailyn Andrews
Lori Ashyk
Then dignitaries including Dr. Wael Khoury, David Gilbert, Rachael Stentz-Baugher, Kate Caithness and others cut the ribbon dedicating the new trees. Dr. Khoury did the honors with the scissors.
Then, the PIAST Polish Artistic Song and Dance Ensemble performed songs and dances.
The Djapo Cultural Institute closed out the ceremony with energetic African drumming and dances. They invited the audience to come up for the grand finale.
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