"The 2011 Climbing World Championship will be once more showing the outstanding competence and capability of Arco and its people to organise outdoor events that draw the world's attention", Tiziano Mellarini, Councillor for Agriculture, Forestry, Tourism and Promotion of the Autonomous Province of Trento, claimed at the presentation press conference held yesterday in Trento.
Concerning the renewed Climbing Stadium, Lead and Speed walls have been repainted and newly redesigned in the upper section, while the protective hood has been expanded. A new building beside the wall will host a changing room, first aid room, toilets and facilities for judges and officials. The new bouldering wall is located opposite the main wall, close to the four-route wall that will host the brand new Team Speed competitions.
Spectators will have the opportunity to watch the events unfold live, while seating on the grass and stands, and following results and highlights on the constantly updated video wall. Everyone will be also very welcome to visit and get some refresh at the well stocked bar inside the arena.
From Friday onwards (bouldering qualification male at 12,00pm), over 700 athletes from 58 nations will be showing up on the Italian walls, attempting to find their way to the podiums in Lead, Boulder, Speed and Team Speed competitions. An Overall standing will award climbers who will be competing in all three disciplines.
The complete program is available on www.arco2011.it, and the National Television RAI, along with several foreign TV channels, will be broadcasting all major events live, including the Rock Master Duel competition which will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the legendary Rock Master event. IFSC Climbing World Championship will be also webcast live on www.ifsc.tv.
Along with the IFSC Climbing World Championship competitions, Arco will be hosting the 1st IFSC Paraclimbing World Championship, and the little Italian town is about to become home for all climbers. Athletes from 10 nations will be competing in Speed and Lead competitions on Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th.
The first Paraclimbing competitions in Italy, Russia and Japan date back to 2005. The first ever IFSC Paraclimbing World Cup took place in Russia three years afterwards, while an international series was held in Russia, Japan and Italy (onto Daone dam) both in 2009 and 2010.
The 2011 IFSC Climbing World Championships opening ceremony will be taking place on Saturday 16th July with all the climbers parading through Arco town center and the Climbing Stadium, where the World Championship flame will be lit. A free entry opening show, named "Born to Rock" will be held afterwards.