13 October 2006 - Bienvenidos a Mérida !

Bienvenidos a Mérida ! Merida – 13 October 2006   Yucatan, land of legend, sun and recreation, is proud to host the 9th Junior and 3rd Cadet Outdoor Target Archery World Championships.   Merida - The White City The state capital was founded in the year 1542 by Francisco de Montejo, “El Mozo” (The younger). The beautifully carved limestone buildings with their ancient Roman moldings of Merida, Spain, inspired him to baptize it with the same name.   Passing through the heart of the capital one cannot fail to be impressed by the group of antique buildings which make up the historical center. The majestic Cathedral of San Ildefonso, built during the second half of the XVI century, is the oldest cathedral on the American Continent. Its construction took more than 40 years and used, in addition to quarried rock, stones from destroyed Mayan temples.   As the city grew, the original geometric style of its founders began to be lost. Seven stone archways were built to mark the city limits, as well as to separate the city from the indigenous quarters. Urban growth has swallowed up all but three of these: only the archways of San Juan, Dragones and El Puente are still standing today.   In spite of modern touches, Merida has conserved her colonial flavor, full of light and color in every corner!   The competition will start on October 15 with official practice and opening ceremony and will be on air up to October 21 at the “Inalámbrica” Olympic Complex of Merida. The World Championships will then be followed on Sunday 22 by the Grand World Cup Final in Mayapan.   Ludivine Maitre Wicki FITA Communication