Brazil welcomes the world at the Opening Ceremony of WorldSkills São Paulo 2015

The Opening Ceremony of the 43rd WorldSkills Competition was held on Tuesday, 11 August at the Ibirapuera Gymnasium in São Paulo, Brazil. The official start of the Competition began with the Parade of Nations - including 59 countries and regions represented by 1,192 Competitors with their flags flying and their heads held high - demonstrating their personal pride in the opportunity to compete in their skill on the world-class WorldSkills stage.

Approximately 8,000 people, including Competitors, Experts, Delegates, sponsors and partners, families, and friends joined an evening filled with warm welcomes from Brazilian and international leaders. The night featured sophisticated and fantastic performances presenting the best of Brazil’s heritage, arts, and culture. Building on the overall theme of WorldSkills São Paulo 2015, “Choose”, the theme for the night was “The world chose Brazil”- highlighting the landscape, natural resources, and culture of Brazil’s five regions. One particularly relevant entertainment highlight was the “Skills Show Performance”, featuring a precision dance troupe interpreting the various skill sector icons of the Competition.

In his welcome to both the live and live-streamed audience, WorldSkills President Simon Bartley began with “Obrigado” - “Welcome”. Bartley thanked the Competition host, organizers, sponsors, and partners; he made a special point of thanking the 800 volunteers supporting the event - which was greeted with a loud and lasting round of applause. He praised the work and dedication of Competitors, and encouraged them to compete in a fair and friendly fashion, share what they know and learn over the next four days, and realize that this Competition is the start of the many great things they will do in their lives. Bartley’s farewell to the Competitors concluded with a rousing, “Enjoy, and good luck to you all.”

The evening closing performance brought the audience in the Gymnasium to their feet, adding to the energy of the over 400 dancers and performers in a colorful, carnival-like samba celebration. 

The Closing Ceremony on 16 August will also be held at the Ibirapuera Gymnasium and live-streamed at
www.worldskills-experience.com.