The World Games 2009 Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung (TPE), July 16 – 26, 2009
LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, July 8, 2009: In only 9 days, the gymnastics events of the World Games 2009 in Kaohsiung (TPE) will begin on July 17 with Rhythmic Gymnastics competitions in the impressive Kaohsiung Arena.
The brand-new multi-sport arena with a capacity of 15,000 will not only be the stage for 24 top level Rhythmic gymnasts for two days straight, it will host the Trampoline, Tumbling, and Acrobatic Gymnastics competitions from July 20 – 22. Aerobic gymnasts will give their performances with a show of awe-inspiring skill on July 24 – 25 in the Cultural Centre Jhihde Hall, a beautiful theatre boasting 2,500 seats.
ESPN will provide live broadcasting for all gymnastics finals while Public Television Service (PTS) produces daily highlights of every sport represented at the Games. A total of 31 different sports are included on the World Games 2009 programme, which features over 3,200 athletes from 90 countries. More than 790 national and international media representatives are accredited for this multi-sport event, which to this point is unique in the annals of Chinese Taipei.
The World Games 2009 will kick off with an Opening Ceremony on July 16 at 7:30 pm local time in the newly built Main Stadium on the northern side of Kaohsiung. The ceremony is composed of four key elements - technology, ocean, steel, and light, each of which characterises the host city. 4,000 performers will present a 45-minute virtual show composed by award winning director Li Shao-ping. Another expected highlight at the opening is a three-minute firework display during which 3,000 fireworks will be shot off. The fireworks simulation video can be watched here.
The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has developed a microsite for the World Games 2009 where fans can find all information relevant to the event. Information will be updated regularly throughout the Games with news, results and photo galleries. The website was launched today at http://www.kaohsiung2009.sportcentric.com/.
