Prolights illuminated the world's largest inclusive sporting event, the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023. The event was all about visibility, social participation, empowerment, and integration, as 7,000 athletes with intellectual and multiple disabilities stepped  into the limelight to give their best performances in 26 different sports.

Under the artistic direction of Sven Soeren Beyer, the collective phase7 performing arts was responsible for the creative concept of the opening ceremony, as well as its planning and implementation in collaboration with mediapool Veranstaltungsgesellschaft on behalf of the  Local Organizing Committee. Technical services were provided by the POOLgroup and the lighting fixtures were provided by Lightpower, the Prolights distributor in the region.

On behalf of phase7, Flo Erdmann (von | BERG) developed the lighting design for the impressive backdrop of the Berlin Olympic Stadium. The purpose  of the show was clear: as a 360° concept it should draw attention and functionality - both for the stadium audience and  the television cameras. Raphael Grebenstein (Light Art Studios) supported Erdmann as Lighting Director and Show Lighting Operator. 

Erdmann fulfilled the need of the show with 32 Prolights Astra Wash19PixIP placed them directly on the bleachers on top of the main entrance for the athletes . Here, the weatherproof (IP65) moving wash lights with 19 individually controllable 40W RGBW LEDs served as single-beam, effect floodlights, as well as to light the bleachers , and camera cover.

“With the Prolights Astra Wash19PixIP, we have selected an effective wash light with excellent light output in IP65 quality. The lamps are placed freely and unprotected on the stairs, so IP65 was a must-have. It's great that the devices are so compact and lightweight, even with IP65. I personally like the additional effect layer of the outer pixel ring as well. Last but not least, the lights have a very attractive price-performance ratio. The devices do an outstanding job on the bleachers and also come across well on the camera.” remarks Erdmann. 

Raphael Grebenstein adds: “The floodlight is really nice and bright, and makes an impact - even in a stadium of this size.”

Like all devices in the Astra Wash series from Prolights, the Astra Wash19PixIP has a new and improved front lens, which offers high optical efficiency across the entire zoom range (4°-54°). The lens technology delivers outstanding brightness, while the surface is protected against scratches.