August 2nd has been the day of the grand opening ceremony. The festive program began in the morning with a train ride on the Härtsfeld Historical Railway. That railway is affectionately known as the “Schättere” (rattler) because of its rattling noise. After the train pulled into the Neresheim station, Mayor Thomas Häfele formally welcomed the participants and their teams. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of air sports for the town of Neresheim and the Härtsfeld region. “Neresheim has become a household name in the international gliding community.”
Cultural Kickoff
After the train ride and a welcome from Mayor Thomas Häfele, the program included a short walk up the hill to the abbey. The baroque Neresheim abbey rarely has welcomed such a large and international group of visitors. Prior Albert welcomed the guests in two languages on the church’s steps inside the monastery courtyard. All the teams were impressed by the magnificent abbey church. Everyone then enjoyed a special musical experience with an organ recital. Brother Matthias gave a historical overview of the Neresheim abbey in excellent English and then wished the international visitors a successful and enjoyable stay in the Härtsfeld region. The group then continued by bus to downtown Aalen.
International Atmosphere also in Downtown Aalen
The 14th Junior World Gliding Championships were then officially opened in front of Aalen City Hall. This was preceded by the grand parade of nations. In alphabetical order by national team, the parade made its way from Sparkassenplatz along Reichstädter Straße to the market square and finally to Aalen City Hall. The Aalen City Orchestra conducted by Andreas Maile provided the music for the parade. Each team was warmly welcomed amid the applause of the numerous spectators. Lord Mayor Frederick Brütting welcomed the participants from 22 nations. With temperatures exceeding 30 degrees, the pilots from 22 nations presented themselves in their colorful national shirts. “It is a great honor for Aalen. We are proud to host this World Championship here in Aalen, the host city,” said Aalen’s Lord Mayor Frederick Brütting. “I am very impressed by your arrival in Aalen.” Frederick Brütting also praised the organizing club, the Luftsportring Aalen. “It’s not a given that these 14th FAI Junior World Gliding Championships are taking place at the airfield in Aalen-Elchingen,” said Brütting. He thanked the club’s many volunteers for their dedication. Luftsportring Aalen is also celebrating its 75th anniversary with this World Championship.
Claus Cordes, President of the German Aero Club (DAeC), appealed to the sportsmanship of all pilots: “Fly safely. No gold medal is worth causing an accident, and, despite all your sporting ambition, don’t lose sight of safety.” Paul Schwarz, the 2024 European Championship pilot of LSR-Aalen then had the honor of raising the FAI flag in front of the participants and spectators. This marked the official opening of the World Championships. The FAI anthem was performed by the Aalen City Orchestra. Following this ceremonial act, Eric Mozer, the American head of the jury, officially declared the World Championships open. That means the in-air competitions can finally begin on Monday, August 3rd.
