EAA-Delegation
(Foto: Paul)
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[19.04.2005] On 11-12 April a delegation of the European Athletic Association visited Erfurt to receive information about
the status of preparations for the European Athletics U23 Championships (Steigerwald stadium, July 14-17).
Agoston Schulek, Organisational Delegate of the EAA, highlighted the value of this important championship
for the European Athletic Association.
Also Luis Saladie (Technical Delegate) and Peter Nordenström (Event Coordinator) were highly pleased with the
competition sites, working rooms and training facilities and attested the organizing committee doing a great
job.
Well received were also the short distances around the stadium and the central position of the hotels which
are considered to be very profitable for the event. Except one, the eleven team hotels are located in the
city of Erfurt.
Many decathletes
During the visit, the walking course with the start and finish in the stadium were inspected and approved.
Besides that, the preliminary entries were analysed. Currently, 45 EAA member federations (of a total of 49)
will participate (1002 athletes and 380 officials). Albania, Gibraltar, Liechtenstein and Monaco did not send
any entry. Germany (155), Poland (106) France (99) and Russia (90) are the nations with the largest teams.
The number of entries in 44 events (22 for men and women) is generally comparable with the previous
championships. An exceptionally high number of entries wasreceived for decathlon men (34).
Status of reconstruction works
For the European Athletics U23 Championships the Steigerwaldstadion will be renewed. The progress of
construction works is on schedule. The old track will be renewed and the competition sites will be adapted
to modern standards. In the next weeks the coating of the new track surface will be laid. If the weather
conditions are favourable the works will be completed in May. (tp/jk)
EAA-Delegation/Steigerwaldstadion
(Fotos: Paul)
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