NYON – After a rainy afternoon, during which the delegations attended the official technical meeting, the sun was shining again in Nyon, just in time for the opening ceremony.
The Esplanade des Marronniers, over-looking the lake and decorated with roman ruins, was a beautiful location for the launching of the first ever World Championship hosted in Nyon. After a parade of the delegations, introducing the different countries competing on Sunday, Yannick Grivel, the president of the Organizing Committee, opened the floor with a speech. He highlighted the extraordinary work done by the Organizing Committee that is only composed of volunteers and reminded that 700 volunteers were mobilised for the event.
The Municipality of Nyon was represented by Stéphanie Schmutz who particularly highlighted the city’s great potential for hosting an event of this importance. François Bussy, the vice chancellor of the University of Lausanne, expressed his admiration for triathletes and their ability to excel in three disciplines, portraying a determined mind which characterises an excellent student as well.
Kairis Ulp, FISU Assessor
Finally, Kairis Ulp, member of the FISU Executive Committee, and Chairman of this Championship, expressed her thanks to the Organizing Committee and highlighted the impressive ability of the student athletes to combine university studies and high performance sport .
Between each speech, festive interludes were presented by the Grobéty sisters, 7 times World Champions for tap dance, who offered a great dance performance to the audience.
The Echo du Boiron, a local Alphorn band, also brought animation between the speeches, presenting the famous and typical swiss instrument to the international delegations. After Stéphanie Schmutz declared the Championship officially open, delegations and guests were invited to enjoy refreshments, before heading to the lake shore for dinner.
(Source WUC dept / OC Triathlon)
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