Folklore and Mariachis for a joyful and luminous Opening

 The Opening Ceremony of the Junior and Cadet Outdoor Target Archery World Championships was held on October 15th at 8.00 pm (local time) in the Inalambrica Sports Complex of Merida, Mexico where the competition is being run.   The Opening began with the countries’ parade, ending with the host team, Mexico. Then the honours to the Mexican flag and anthem followed.   The authorities present at this ceremony gave their welcome to all participants, adding the usual opening ceremony speeches. Mr. Paul Paulsen, FITA 1st Vice President, talked on behalf of the FITA President, Prof. Dr. Ugur Erdener, who was absent on the occasion, but will join the competition later this week.   Then, a Mexican archer David Marin Coello said the Athletes Oath words on behalf of all athletes participating and was followed by the Chairman of the Competition Judge Commission, Henrik Larsen, who said the Judges Oath words on behalf of all Judges of the competition.   Finally, the most popular and rewarded archer of Mexico, Eduardo Magana, shot an opening for the competition, while the authorities declared the event open and indicated the start of the cultural event.   All archers could finally walk out of the field as the folklore dances and Mariachis ended their performance, accompanied by a wonderful firework.   For more pictures from the Opening Ceremony, click here...   The competition starts on Monday morning at the Inalambrica Complex with the Recurve Junior Men, Recurve Junior Women, Compound Cadet Men and Compound Cadet Woman divisions. These will then be followed in the afternoon by the remaining division: Compound Junior Men and Women, Recurve Cadet Men and Women.   Chantal Steiner FITA Communication