The world’s best archers let their arrows fly over the historic canals of Copenhagen

Camilla SOEMOD (DEN) at World Cup Stage 4 in Shanghai   
  The Archery World Cup Final by the water in Nyhavn? Is it possible to arrange this kind of event in Copenhagen and then place it out on the waters of the canal? The International Archery Federation (FITA) could not believe their ears when they heard that this historic part of Copenhagen was an option. There was not any doubt. They were sold on the spot. Previously, finals had been held at the Mayapan pyramids in Mexico and in the Olympic city of Lausanne. But the possibility of being in the heart of a European capital, close to residents and with ripples under their feet was something special. And that is exactly what it will be. Archery venue layout at Nyhavn...   From brothels to bistros Nyhavn, which means new harbour in Danish, is both the most vibrant meeting place of present-day Copenhagen and an attraction of historical significance. In the olden days ships from around the world docked alongside the quay and sailors, pubs, prostitutes and parties left their mark on the harbor. The old and crooked houses, which once housed merchants and brothels, were beautifully restored and are today crammed with cozy restaurants that offer indoor and outdoor seating.   Danish participation at a spectacular location On Saturday, 26 September, 16 of the world’s best archers will compete to find out who is the world’s best (four in each of the categories women, men, recurve and compound). Read more at www.archerycopenhagen.com. The winner of the final round of the World Cup Final receives the title that symbolises the ultimate in archery second only to an Olympic gold medal. To qualify, competitors participated in four qualification tournaments leading up to the finals in Copenhagen. And Denmark has two representatives: Camilla SOEMOD and Martin DAMSBO.   “We are proud to present the world’s best archers—including two Danes on home turf—at a spectacular location such as Nyhavn. This is world-class archery and the spectators can look forward to a fantastic experience,” says Rolf LIND, chairman of the Danish Archery Association.      Crown Prince Frederik trying his hand at archeryRoyal visit and participation by the cultural minister HRH The Crown Prince Frederik’s love for sport and his candidacy for the Olympic Committee ensure he will be among the spectators. The Culture Minister of Denmark, Carina CHRISTENSEN, has also announced her plan to attend the World Cup.   The event begins by the anchor in Nyhavn at the pier and 70 metres out into the canal. The archers will aim at targets placed on a bridge across the canal that was made for the occasion. It is free for the public on the restaurant side of the canal. Tickets for the tribune on the opposite side of the canal can be purchased at www.billetnet.dk.   Creative use of Copenhagen It is the first time that By & Havn (CPH City & Port Development) has given permission to use the historic part of the port, the canal in Nyhavn, to a sports event.   “Sports and athletics have a special way of gathering people and By & Havn will happily support public-friendly events in the city. Archery fits perfectly within Nyhavn’s setting,” says managing director Jens Kramer MIKKELSEN.   “The Archery World Cup Final will showcase Copenhagen on the international sports scene as a creative and unique player when it comes to arranging and executing world class sporting events. The archery finals clearly show that we can use the city as a beautiful setting for international events,” says Marin BENDERr, deputy director, Wonderful Copenhagen.   The Danish Year of Sport 2009 The Archery World Cup Final is a part of The Danish Year of Sport 2009. More than 50 international sports events and congresses will be held around the country throughout the year. The IOC Session and Olympic Congress in Copenhagen in October is the largest event. Together, all of the events will brand Denmark nationally and internationally as a strong sports event nation under the motto “Inviting the World of Sport”. For more information about The Danish Year of Sport and the various events, please contact project leader Christian ANKERSTJERNE at ca@sporteventdenmark.com or call +45 3051 0096. Or, visit their website at www.sporteventdenmark.com.   For more information about the Archery World Cup, please visit www.archerycopenhagen.com or www.archeryworldcup.org.   Contact information:   The Danish Archery Association Chairman: Rolf LIND Tel: +45 4052 5592 Email: formand@dbsf.dk   Wonderful Copenhagen Project leader: Martin Strange PERSSON Tel: +45 2053 7715 Email: msp@woco.dk   By & Havn Press chief: Pernille Garde ABILGAARD Tel: +45 2916 0586 Email: pep@byoghavn.dk   Wonderful Copenhagen’s communications department will gladly provide further information, contacts, angles, pictures, background and more.   Camilla KJAERSGAARD Tel: +45 3355 7418 Email: ckj@woco.dk   Source: Wonderful Copenhagen Edited FITA Communication