World Champs Opening Ceremonies

Less than one week to go until the 2008 Vancouver BG Triathlon World Championships and Triathlon Vancouver, the organizing committee for the event, would like to inform athletes and national federations about the opening and closing ceremonies.

The organizing committee has put tremendous efforts into making the opening and closing ceremonies a very special experience for all athletes and our national federation guests from around the world.

Opening Ceremonies
The Opening Ceremonies will begin with a Parade of Nations.  All national teams need to be assembled at 2:00 pm on Thursday, 5 June about 1km south of the venue – just above the Inukshuk statue at the parking lot near Cardero Street and Beach Avenue.

The parade will be led by a Pipe Band specially assembled for the event from the eleven pipe and drum bands in the Vancouver area.

Each national team is asked to select one of their athletes or officials to carry their national flag.

The Parade of Nations will leave the assembly area at 2:30 sharp and proceed north down Beach Avenue to the main grandstand and transition area.  The Opening Ceremonies will begin with a song and blessing from the Squamish Nation, followed by a welcome from local dignitaries. 

After the Opening Ceremonies, national teams will be taken to the Opening Celebration at the Vancouver Aquarium.  This will be a highlight of everyone’s World Championship experience as each of the food stations will be situated along an amazing path that winds past the world class exhibits which are dedicated to conservation of aquatic life – fitting for triathletes! 

Please visit their website for more information about the Vancouver Aquarium.  You’ll note that on Thursday, 5 June they are advertising an early closure to the public.  This is so they can get set up to welcome the athletes from around the world who are competing in the World Championships.
National Team Managers need to carefully communicate the arrival and departure bus schedule for their team members as this is key to the successful flow of the meal at the Aquarium.

Closing Ceremonies
The Closing Ceremonies will take place at GM Place – home of Vancouver’s NHL team – the Canucks.

Instead of a face-off at centre ice, there will be a stage where the medal awards will take place with a four-sided video board overhead showing the highlights of the best of the entire four days of triathlon. 

Click here for the official website of Triathlon Vancouver

Click here for the ITU’s world championship page