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Aachen, May 17th, 2008

CHIO Aachen: Clubs practising for the Opening Ceremony
Archers, trampolinists and sailors at the Soers

Olympic Games meets CHIO Aachen: Over 200 sportsmen and women from 30 regional clubs will be presenting 28 Olympic disciplines at the Opening Ceremony of the event on July 1st, starting at 5 p.m., just a few weeks before the Games start in Peking and Hong Kong. A choreography which was practised for the first time this Saturday.

Unusual scenes could certainly be observed at the Soers in Aachen: Mountain bikers on a ramp, trampolinists, hockey players, sailors or footballers. "The Opening Ceremony is going to be full of spirit this year," the Show Director, Frank Kemperman, commented. This time Sacha Eckjans from the German Equestrian Association (FN) has taken up the reins. "I am delighted at how motivated all of the clubs and youths from the region are." The big challenge at the Opening Ceremony: A lot of equipment has to be transported to and from the traditional grass arena within a short space of time. A large sailing boat, hockey goals or targets for the archers. "They'll be shooting with real arrows," announced Eckjans. But of course safety nets will be erected. The display by the triathletes also promises to be spectacular. They will be presenting their different disciplines within ten minutes - after swimming through the big pond, they will swing themselves onto a bike, before finally jumping into their trainers.

The Federal Chancellor, Angela Merkel, will also be there to witness these performances, since she is officially opening the show. Tickets are still available for the Opening Ceremony in all categories. The tickets are also valid for the show-jumping competitions on the same day (9.30 a.m. accom Prize, 13.30 p.m. STAWAG Prize). Tickets can be ordered online (www.chioaachen.de) or via the hotline (+49-(0)241-917-11 11). WDR will be broadcasting the Opening Ceremony live on TV.

In 2008 the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen, is scheduled from June 27th to July 6th and is thus being held over 10 days for the first time in 47 years. Following tradition, the official Opening Ceremony, which will highlight performances from the partner country Russia involving displays with 150 horses, can be experienced on the Tuesday, July 1st, even though the show already begins on the Friday before with the vaulting competitions.

Ticket-Hotline: +49-241-917-11 11.