After months of preparation, the teams of the countries competing in the u19jwc could be welcomed on Thursday in the sports centre in Leek. First training sessions proceeded quickly, during which Portugal, South Africa, Chinese Taipei took full advantage of het facilities of the sports centre. At 12 o'clock sharp all volunteers started with the preparations of decorating the hall, all flags and commercial banners were put in the right places and everything was prepared for a spectacular opening ceremony that evening.

 

From 17.30 on, it was very busy in the sports centre, all teams gathered for a team photo, and in the meantime the famous Dutch weather reporter Piet Paulusma arrived to do his daily tv weather forecast live on location from the u19jwc.

The opening was spectacular, show band Marum spared no expenses and presented its latest show, and accompanied the presentation of the players with their music. The show lasted one hour, during which the teams were presented and the official opening ceremony was performed by alderman Fellinger of the local council of Leek. Besides an opening speech, the alderman showed his sporty side by passing the ball to the korfballleague-players of the star team of NIC. and Dos. The evening hereby ended for the players of the teams, their managers and coaches however had to attend a short meeting and were shortly briefed about the latest tournament details and if necessary the last changes of players could be reported.

 

Friday is the first day with a busy and complete schedule of games.