7 September 2015: Day 1   With 20 countries registered across 3 disciplines, today's official practice jumps are more a case of cloud  and rain dodging. The weather has continued to interupt jumps throughout the day, which is one sure way of testing the viability of the wi-fi system.

There is a great deal of activity in and around the DZ as the final touches are made to the erection of banners, barriers and notice boards etc, whilst the admin staff get to grips with their respective new roles. Equipment continues to be tested in its new surroundings and most people appear to still be smiling.

So far the tally of teams is as follows:

For a complete list of delegations, please see the link below.

15.45

The draw was made for the Formation skydiving events. 

4-Way (both) & 8-Way Draw	VFS Draw

A competitors briefing was held for each category of competition during the afternoon, so everything is now set for a wheels-off start at 8.00 a.m. tomorrow morning.  It is planned to start with VFS, then 4-Way, 8-Way and Speed Skydiving - but it is all subject to change.  The forecast is good.

Everyone then left for the Opening Ceremony which was held in the gardens of the Kasteel Cannenburch (a lovely setting) where the competitors marched in to the area in front of the Castle behind their country flags and were greeted to an accuracy jump by Henny Wiggers in traditional Dutch dress, (including wooden clogs) carrying the FAI flag into the arena.  We then had speeches  from the Mayor of Apeldoorn - who spoke highly of the work of the Dutch National Parachuting Centre at Teuge and how proud the town was to host the World Cup and European Championships and to welcome athletes from 20 Nations to their town.  He was followed by Mr. Frederik Brink, on the Executive Board of the FAI, who welcomed everyone to the Netherlands and wished them a successful competition in preparation for the World Air Games in Dubai at the end of the year.  The third speech was by the Chairman of the Parachuting Club of Teuge and he said how happy the club was to host this event and wished everyone good jumps and blue skies.

Dr Rainer "Exi" Hoenle, First Vice President of the IPC and on this occasion, FAI Controller, declared the competition open, followed by the raising of the FAI flag whilst the anthem played - and then everyone took advantage of the well organised and arranged al fresco barbeque buffet whilst at the same time giving those who wished, an opportunity to tour the castle, of which the town is justly proud.  (www.mooigelderland.nl).