13 March 2007 - Indoor World Championships: Opening Ceremony

Opening Ceremony Izmir - 13 March 2007   FITA Secretary General, Mr. Tom Dielen, welcomed all archers, team captains and all people present to the Opening Ceremony of the 9th Indoor Archery World Championships in Izmir.   Right after the welcome words, the countries entered the hall and the parade begun. The Turkish Team, host of the Championships, marched at last.   There were several speeches, leaded by the General Director of Youth and Sports of Turkey, Mr. Nehmet Atalay, and the Mayor of Izmir, Mr. Aziz Kocaoglu, after which the FITA President, Dr. Ugur Erdener, took the floor and made his welcome speech where at the end he declared the World Championships open.   The Anthem of Turkey was then in the air, followed by the Anthem of FITA. After the Anthems were finished, Mr. Goktug Ergin, Member of the National Team of Turkey took the oath on behalf of the athletes, followed right after by Mr. Stefan Lehmann, Chairman of the Tournament Judge Commission who took the oath on behalf of the Judges.   The Teams were then invited to march out and rest for the following day, beginning of the competition ! The FITA Secretary General then declared the Opening Ceremony closed and wished the best of luck to all the archers.   Chantal Steiner FITA Communication