Twenty-two years ago I began this trek around the world, and since then I have been one of the luckiest men on the planet, creating shows that by count the entire world has seen many times over.

But last night here in Eastern Europe, in the town of Donetesk, a place famous for its coal mining and an one very awesome Championship Football club called Shaktar, with a brand new “Diamond Stadium” opening it’s doors to the world tomorrow night. A couple of thousand enthusiastic volunteers performing onstage and backstage in a show that I had a small part in writing and directing, when one lone voice stepped out of the crowd of the many and speaks…no wait, not speaks…but Sings (in the form of a thank you letter).

Not only in Donestk but for all of the countless masses of volunteers I (we) have had the amazing honor of being allowed to help realize the one dream of the many thousands who have ever been brave enough to step out of the crowd and volunteer. Taking your one voice and molding it into a chorus of many that the world will not only hear but they will feel deep inside of their hearts.

Not only is this letter the sweetest music to my ears but to those of the hard-working international team who will never forget the talent and tenacity of you; the dedicated local cast and crew that is doing more then they thought possible by are moving mountains (not only of coal) but, just plain mountains to do this for a people we have never known until a few months ago but now will never forget as long as we live. Just because we are crazy enough to care to make the Impossible-Possible! This is the greatest quest any persons can be on, one of the Belief in Magic!

This is the very reason that got me hooked twenty-two years ago into dedicating my life’s work to being what it is. Friends, this is the real Front Side of Wonderful.

From one volunteer’s pen, now to you, I share the fuel in our spirit, the dream in our hearts and the Goal to the end any game…

Dear all,

My words may seem to you foolish and childishly naïve, but nevertheless I hope they will evoke smiles on your faces.

Kindly be aware that there are people who admire what you are doing and are happy to assist you (even in the smallest and insignificant way) in this show’s organization.

This is not an empty and groundless flattery, the matter is that at this point I feel that I am not a spectator, but a direct participant in the show, that is, finally, I am where I always wanted to be!

As you are an integral part of events taking place in my life, I have the greatest desire to share my feelings with you. I try to remember every moment, successful or not very much. Because this will be a grand event not only for a big city, but for a “small person” also, who had a possibility to break the monotonous existence with a maximum of surprises.

Your smiles leave none indifferent, your enthusiasm is much admired. I am happy to meet you and there are no limits for gratitude and this happiness.

P.S. I’m sure that every participant has gained abundant experience and lasting impressions!
Thank you very much for these days!

Kind regards,

Volunteer- Julia Berdnik
The Opening of the Don Bass Arena,
Donestk, Ukraine. August 29th 2009

Julia, thank you for taking the time; first to volunteer with all of your heart and soul and the patience and strength you add to this amazing cast and secondly to pay us such an accolade with your heartfelt words, so please know this to be true, it is only because of people like you that makes it possible for people like us…to do what we love. Thank You!

If you would permit me, I boldly wish to edit one small part of our letter. You are not and never will be just one “small person” your help will never be insignificant or forgotten. You are a person who was built for Wonder and able to feel a Maximum of Surprises. This is no small feat at all Julia… this is the Goal that wins any game! You and every volunteer here in Donestk are indeed the True Champions!

Thank you to you for being…you.

We Humbly share this victory with you, from me and for all the team here,

Doug Jack

Director of the Opening Ceremonies of the Don Bass Arena,
Donestk, Ukraine. August 29th 2009