PRESS RELEASE

04 March 2007

Volunteers praised as championships close

The closing ceremony of the 2007 European Indoor Athletics Championships was a celebration of every aspect of the championships. In a ceremony featuring dancing, skating, poetry and parades, everyone involved in hosting a successful championships was acknowledged.

The ceremony, directed by Dennie Wilson with a commissioned score by Michael Price, was entitled ‘The Medal’ and celebrated the many qualities that have been exhibited not only by each participating athlete, but also by everyone united in the goal to stage a ‘championship’ where athletes are able top produce memorable and significant performances.

Cllr Ray Hassall, chair of the Local Organising Committee and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Sport said: “These qualities of dedication and focus, ability, skill and talent, determination and passion, would all be rendered ineffective without the time and effort given by the many thousands of volunteers from Birmingham and the West Midlands. The closing ceremony aims to recognize and celebrate that champions come in many guises.”

The ceremony included a poem entitled ‘The Medal’ written and performed by Jennifer Brough, Birmingham’s young poet laureate; a performance by 45 dancers, representing the countries taking part; as well as a parade of many of the volunteers who have given time and energy to the championships.

The poem features some of the emotions experienced by an athlete during an event – ‘everything’s a blur’, ‘throbbing muscles’ and ‘grasping for gold’.

Jennifer said: “I thoroughly enjoyed writing this poem and was very proud to be performing at the end of the championships.”

‘The Medal’ poem was accompanied by a commissioned score, also entitled ‘The Medal’ which reflects all aspects of the championships including the athletes, officials and volunteers.

Jennifer, from Arthur Terry School, is Birmingham’s second young poet laureate and was selected last October after submitting four poems.

The ceremony ended with the lowering of the EAA (European Athletic Association) and the presentation of the flag to the next host city, Turin.