THE 2014 Lake Macquarie International Children’s Games theme song is aptly called Never Give Up.
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And that is what thousands of revellers did at the Games opening ceremony on Sunday night at Speers Point Park as severe thunderstorms rained on their parade.
The song, written and performed by Hamilton teenager Mia Sifflet, was dubbed the highlight of the show by event organisers.
Mia received a standing ovation from the 16,000-strong crowd for her performance.
The event drew less than event organisers had hoped, but those who stayed were in it for the long haul according to Lake Macquarie council publicity officer Alannah Totterdell.
‘‘A lot of people stuck it out in the rain, which was awesome,’’ Miss Totterdell said.
There was an unplanned 15-minute break in the ceremony as a deluge hit the park and the crowd dwindled to 5000.
The ceremony closed with a surprise performance from Byron Bay pop band Sheppard, with their hit song Geronimo.
Event organisers brought forward the fireworks planned for the Newcastle Permanent Carols by Candlelight at Speers Point Park that evening to 7.30pm.
Miss Totterdell said it was spectacular to see all the fireworks let off at once and the schedule change meant most people could see the display.
