Thursday, March 24, 2011: The European Championships 2011 have been officially opened today. Under the eyes of approximately 200 spectators and players from all over Europe, the president of the EPBF, Mr. Gre Leenders, gave the starting signal and the Head Mayor of the City of Brandenburg, Mrs. Dietlind Tiemann as well as the Secretary of State for Education, Youth and Sports, Mr. Burkhard Jungkamp, executed the first opening breaks for the event.
The opening ceremony was held in the final table of the arena. In the beginning, all nations were announced and their lags were walked in by two representative players from that nation. When all 33 nations were called in, the arena was packed with flags and representing athletes.
Before the official part began, a minute of silence for the victims of the catastrophe in Japan was held.
After that, some dignitaries were introduced and the player of the year award was handed over to Jasmin Ouschan from Austria.
Some short but very warm words of welcome were expressed by Mr. Jungkamp and Mrs. Tiemann. Then Mr. Leenders thanked the sponsors and invited the two dignitaries to open the event. In front of us there are now 10 days of thrilling pool action.
The event will be hosted by the European Governing Body for Pool, the European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF) and organized by International Billiard Promotion (IBP).
For further information and reference please go to the event website www.epconline.eu or contact our press office.
