Aachen, 01. July 2008

Partner country Russia impressed by the "German cordiality"
Professor Gego: "The sport has a faster effect than politics in its role as a messenger"

We were really delighted about the "cordiality shown by the people who have greeted us here in Germany," said Gennady Seleznev, President of the Russian Equestrian Association, in a Press Conference held today. Russia is this year's partner country at the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen 2008 (June 27th - July 6th). Over a hundred Russian riders with their horses and carriages were already greeted at the market square in Aachen by equestrian sport fans from all over the world on Monday evening.

Something which Professor Dr. Arno Gego takes for granted: "We are very proud to be able to welcome our Russian friends here in Aachen. The country has a long tradition in the equestrian sport, as well as producing famous riders such as the former Olympic gold medallist Elena Petushkova and currently Alexandra Korelova." The former Board Member, Gego, established the contact to the CHIO organisers, the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV). Alexander Bortnikov then also emphasised that as President of the All-Russian Equestrian Games in St. Petersburg, he will be orienting the tournament's further development on the CHIO Aachen.

Presently, a lot of things are undergoing change on the Russian equestrian sport scene. "We are trying to rediscover many Russian traditions," explained Sergey Khlebnikov, Commandant of the mounted Guard of Honour of the Russian President, which is normally present when Heads of State are welcomed and which has left the Kremlin for the first time to represent Russia abroad. 24 riders - all aged between 18 and 19 - are here in Aachen with their horses to take part in the CHIO supporting programme and especially to perform at the official Opening Ceremony on Tuesday evening. "The young people can gain some great impressions from this experience," Khlebnikov pointed out.

As such Professor Dr. Arno Gego is of the opinion that "the sport has a faster effect than politics in its role as a messenger. After all Russia is part of Europe, and our friends will no doubt set a striking example in terms of international understanding between the nations. Together we can achieve a great deal". During the CHIO show week we will also have the opportunity to see the famous Orlov trotting horses with their Troikas - the three-in-hand carriages - as well as stunt groups and "traditional Russian melodies and dance. We hope that the visitors to the CHIO will enjoy our performances," remarked Seleznev

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