broadcast by the company as it previously broadcast the Doha 2006 Asian Games under the name Doha Asian Games Broadcast Services (DAGBS). Torch relay The Bali Asian Beach Games Torch Relay started on 8 October 2008 at Mrapen in Grobogan, Central Java, famous for its eternal flame. The flame was lit with the aid of natural gas. From Mrapen, the torch was carried to Semarang, the capital city of Central Java, where the torch was carried to the Governor Office by Indonesia's famous sprinter, Suryo Agung Wibowo. On 9 October 2008, the torch arrived in Jakarta. On the next day, the torch was paraded from the City Hall to Indonesia's Minister of Youth and Sport Office, and finally arrived at the Istana Merdeka to be given to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. On 10 October 2008, the torch headed to Bali for a nine-day inland tour across ten regions (one city and nine regencies). More than 500 people (45 per district) were involved in the torch relay as torch bearers. They came from the sports world as local, national and international athletes, coaches and officials. More than 2,000 people participated in the parade. The journey was a showcase of Indonesian culture to international audiences, especially Balinese traditional art, dance and music. Highlights The opening ceremony was held in the Garuda Wisnu Kencana, a great monumental cultural park in Nusa Dua, the most luxurious region in Bali. President Yudhoyono officially opened the games when the torch reached the Garuda Wisnu Kencana. The ceremony highlighted Indonesian cultural arts and included international performers such as Mark Lazarro from India and Christian Bautista from the Philippines, as well as famous Indonesian singers and composers, such as Reza Artamevia, Andre Hehanusa and Erwin Gutawa. Andre Hehanusa, Christian Bautista and Mark Lazarro sang "To Be One" while the Indonesian female singer, Reza Artamevia, performed the games anthem, "Together We Inspire the World". About 41 country leaders and several very important persons, including members of the British Royal Family and the Qatari Royal Family, attended the opening ceremony. The 2008 Asian Beach Games were closed by Indonesia's Vice President, Jusuf Kalla, on 26 October 2008. A countdown clock cost Rp800 million (US$87,521) was situated at Lumintang Field. Sports Participating nations 41 Asian countries participated in the games. Calendar Medal table References External links Bali 2008 – 1st Asian Beach Games – Olympic Council of Asia official site The