World Youth Championships open in Ogden

Mr Greg EASTON, OC President    Almost 60 countries with a total of 450 young archers have gathered in Ogden to take part in this competition that also serves as the main qualifier for the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games.
  The Opening Ceremony started with the traditional parade of nations, ending with the host country, the United States of America.   The FITA anthem was played before the honoured guests present at the ceremony delivered the official welcome to all participants. The speeches were made by Mr Greg EASTON, President of the Organising Committee (OC), followed by Mr Jeff ROBBINS, President and CEO of Utah Sports Commission. Mr ROBBINS welcomed the officials, honorary guests, judges, spectactors and athletes to the city of Ogden and declared that "these championships prove that the world can come together through sports".   After a speech by the CAO for the city of Ogden, Mr John PATTERSON, the speaker introduced Mr Vladimir ESHEEV, FITA Council Member, 1987 world champion and 1988 Olympic bronze medallist. Mr ESHEEV pointed out "the importance of this competition in the preparation of an Olympic career" before Mr EASTON declared the 11th World Archery Youth Championships open.   The Opening Ceremony concluded with the national anthem of the United States sung by Cristin SMITH.   The competition starts on Monday morning 13 July with the qualifications for Recurve Junior Men and Recurve Junior Women followed by Compound Junior Men and Compound Junior Women.   Vanahé ANTILLE FITA Communication