2008 WUC Equestrian: Day 1
October 10th, 2008
The first day of the competition of the 8th World University Equestrian Championship organized by the Algerian University Sports Federation started early in the morning with the first round of the Dressage Competition. The Equestrian Military Academy competition venue was ready for the forty-eight cavaliers from sixteen participating countries to start in the first round with their very nice trials. The three riders from each team were also marked individually. Switzerland and Poland qualified to the second round with all three riders what makes them medal favourites but on the other hand it’s still very early to make assumptions because they are trailed by another six countries (GBR, BEL, GER, RUS, EST and ALG). Some countries however, don’t stand a chance to get on the medal podium as the judges were not satisfied with their performances; NOR, IRL, LYB and ITA. After the first round the Opening Ceremony took place.
Mr. Hasan Chikh
Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony took place in the Equestrian Military Academy venue. At 3.30 pm the athletes marched in. All participants were warmly welcomed by the president of the Organising Committee Hassan Chikh. FISU EC representative, Mr. Omar Al-Hai invited the Minister of the Youth and Sport Mr. Hachemi Djiar, to officially open the 8th World University Equestrian Championship. The first part finished with the military orchestra playing the FISU Anthem ‘Gaudamus Igitur’ and the FISU flag was raised. After that the oath of the athletes was pronounced by an Algerian cavalier and the referee’s oath by an International Judge from Tunesia.
Mr. Omar Al-Hai presents the Minister of Youth and Sport Mr. Hachemi Djiar a FISU souvenir plate
The Cultural program that followed was an exciting show with traditional folklore show and horse riding performances. After the official programme of the Opening Ceremony all FISU Family guests, team leaders, judges and the members of the Organizing Committee were invited to the Hotel Sheraton for the welcome dinner organized by the Minister of the Sports and Youth. On this occasion Mr. Omar Al-Hai presented the Minister of Youth and Sport Mr. Hachemi Djiar a souvenir plate on behalf of FISU.
Team GBR
The military band at the Opening Ceremony
The athlete's oath
More Info
You can find more infor in the website of the OC at http://www.fasu-alg.org.
