Ceremony, the Peg Draw. Now things get serious ... TO BATTLE
direction: Prague! Yes exactly, Prague and then to Kutná Hora where the entire ceremony and the draw was scheduled to take place. The event was organised in cooperation with Czech Railways and it was a kind of attraction for those who decided to use the train to get to WCCJ. In the train Jakub Vágner and Ross Honey could shake hands and chat with each team. The train ride was a pleasant distraction before the opening ceremony itself. Before the train arrived to Kutná Hora it took its passengers on a little symbolic journey, travelling alongside very important Czech carp locations, like the Elbe River or the Samberk Pond. After arrival, everyone headed through the
historical centre of Kutná Hora towards a scenic view of the castle next to the Church of St. Barbara. The view is amazing and it literally took the breath away from many competitors, so the team photographs with flags of all participating countries was even more wonderful. Then the entire procession moved to the neighbouring Italian court. Its historical interior was superb for such a ceremony as the opening of The Junior World Carp Classic. After a fanfare from the castle guards, the mayor of Kutná Hora, Mr. Martin
Starý, said a few words and then the programme continued with historical jugglers and musicians. Fencing, dance and comedy of skilful clown intrigued the whole of the audience, whatever their age. The atmosphere was festive and relaxed. The entire procession culminated with something that has been a favourite at The World Carp Classic for a long time – the flag parade. To be honest, the flag parade at the WCC in Bolsena last year made a very good impression on me. However, the historical surroundings of Kutná Hora, music resounding around the labyrinth of streets and the enthusiastic crowd made this even more special. The lines of people rolling through the streets and waving flags ended in The Church of St. Barbara – the pride of Kutná Hora. After speeches from the archdeacon Mr. Uhlí, Ross Honey and Jakub Vágner, the formalitiies were completed with the national anthem of the Czech Republic. Then, everyone went outside and the
competitors waited for what mattered the most – the draw. The draw took place from a balcony of the church and from that moment the Junior World Championship officially began.
Tension mounts.. Preparation is everything.
Above: A hairy moment as one of the Italian team steers a carp to the net.
EXCITING STUFF: ROD-BREAKING AND FIRES.. PAGES 84 & 85 83
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