Aachen, 01. July 2008

CHIO Aachen officially opened by Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel
Spectacular Gala in the Stadium - 37,000 spectators on Tuesday

Cossack riders sped by the stands on their horses swinging their swords, Russian flags were waved through the air, and folklore dancers tumbled past each other with their spectacular performances: On Tuesday evening the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen 2008 (June 27th - July 6th) was officially opened in the main stadium by the Federal Chancellor, Angela Merkel attended by tens of thousands of spectators. The competitions and the Opening Ceremony on Tuesday were attended by a total of 37,000 spectators.

"The heart of the equestrian sport beats here in Aachen. There is a unique atmosphere at the CHIO," commented Merkel amid applause from the thrilled crowd, before she greeted Russia - the show's partner country this year - in Russian. "Our tournament stands for both a folk festival and top sport and contributes to a better understanding between the nations in many ways," emphasised Klaus Pavel, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein, organisers of the CHIO. "People from all over the world meet up here at the Soers to enjoy top international sport in five disciplines, to share their experiences and celebrate together."

In addition to the many horses and riders, two world premieres were also celebrated in the glorious sunshine: The mounted escorts of the Russian President made their first debut abroad, and together with New German Wave star, Joachim Witt, the German national equestrian team had their premiere as singers. Witt's hit from the eighties has been re-recorded for the Olympic Games in August under the new title "We are the golden riders".

The 28 Olympic disciplines formed the focal point of the Opening Ceremony. The jumping, dressage and eventing riders will also be ultimately battling for medals and many nations will make their final decisions on the nominations here at the CHIO Aachen. Whilst two former Olympic Games participants - the high jumper, Ulrike Nasse-Meyfarth, and the decathlete Jürgen Hingsen - related their recollections from former Olympics, over 300 participants from local clubs presented their various disciplines. So, for the first time ever baseball players, hurdlers, hockey players and even a sailing boat were all in action in the traditional grass arena of the Aachen show grounds. The Olympic rings also made an appearance at the Soers: In a quadrille performed by 75 Icelandic horses.

Opening hours of the CHIO Aachen 2008 ticket sales:
Wednesday, 02.07.2008 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, 03.07.2008 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, 04.07.2008 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, 05.07.2008 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, 06.07.2008 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ticket hotline: +49-(0)241-917-1111