European Athletics (EAA) – News – Two weeks to go before the 2011 the European Athletics Indoor Championships

The final countdown has begun to the 2011 European Athletics Indoor Championships, which will be held at the Palais Omnisport Paris-Bercy in the French capital 4-6 March. 

Jean Gracia, the general manager of the local organisation committee, provided European Athletics with some insight into the final preparations.

Q: There are just two weeks to go until the start of the 2011 European Athletics Indoor Championships, where are you at as regards fitting out the Palais Omnisport Parios-Bercy?

A: The press room is already up and ready to go, so is the VIP area. The installation of the track began today (Friday 18 February). It should be completed by 26 or 27 February at the latest. At that point, the POPB will be fully geared up in an athletics configuration.

Q: Is there any plans to have a trial run before the start of the European Athletics Indoor Championships?

A: Yes. We’re organising a general rehearsal on Thursday 3 March at 1800 hours, the evening before the start of the event. It will take the form of a minor competition bringing together regional athletes and involving real judges, real volunteers and a set protocol; even the television stations will be in action.

On that particular day, the national delegations will be able to visit the POPB to get their bearings. On the morning itself, the sprinters will even have the opportunity to take part in a practice start session with a starter.

Q: In terms of participation, what are the latest figures?

A: Registered entries can be accepted until 27 February. At the moment we are up to 633 athletes and 520 officials. Out of the 50 countries affiliated to European Athletics, 49 plan to send a delegation. Only Liechtenstein is likely to be missing. (Editorial note, this means that a record number of countries and competitors are likely to be at the 2011 European Athletics Indoor Championships.)

Q: When are the first delegations going to arrive?

A: The first team is likely to be Russia, with its arrival in Paris scheduled for 1 March. All the other countries will follow the next day, with the exception of Germany, with the bulk of its team unlikely to be on site before Thursday 3 March. The delegations will be lodging at the three hotels which have been booked for them in advance.

Q: What has been lined up for athletes who want to train before and during the competition?

A: The athletes won’t have access to the POPB for training. Outdoor work can be done in the parks close to the hotels. For technical sessions, the delegations will have free access to the INSEP indoor stadium (the French high performance centre) upon their arrival in Paris.

Q: Are you satisfied with the response of the public to the event?

A: Yes. The two days of Saturday and Sunday 5-6 March are already sold out. The tickets were sold very quickly. There are still some seats available for Friday 4 March but the ‘supporters’ packages are no longer available so the event is a success. In fact, I’d even go so far as to say that it’s exceeded our expectations.

Q: Has the promotional campaign for the European Athletics Indoor Championship have come to an end then?

A: No, quite the contrary. The poster campaign in the metro, involving some 195 sites, extends through until 22 February. A campaign involving some 350 poster sites in the Mairie de Paris network, which has been in place since 16 February and continues through until 1 March.

European Athletics (EAA) – News