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Watch Prince and the NPG at the Opening Ceremony for the 1991 Special Olympics International Games

Prince and the New Power Generation at the Special Olympics opening ceremony in Minneapolis on July 20, 1991
Prince and the New Power Generation at the Special Olympics opening ceremony in Minneapolis on July 20, 1991Courtesy ABC Films

July 20, 2018

Watch Prince and the New Power Generation kick off the Special Olympics on July 20, 1991 from the field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.

From Special Olympics official site:

A longtime supporter of Special Olympics, he performed at the Opening Ceremony at the 1991 Special Olympics International Games, which were held in his hometown, Minneapolis, MN, USA. In the words of Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver, "Prince came to Special Olympics and made us the coolest party in the world. We are forever grateful."

Watch the performance — "Diamonds and Pearls," "Baby I'm a Star" and "Push."

ABC television produced a two-hour show about the opening ceremony called Victory and Valor, where this version of the video originated.

This configuration of the New Power Generation featured Michael Bland on drums, Sonny Thompson on bass, Levi Seacer, Jr. on guitar, Tommy Barbarella on keyboards and Rosie Gaines on keyboards and vocals. Tony M., Damon Dickson and and Kirk Johnson appeared together as Game Boyz providing rap, percussion and incredible dance moves.

Footage from the soundcheck of the event has also been circulating online.