29/8/2008

Knights in shining armour will lead a parade of teams competing in the World Field Archery Championships In Rhondda Cynon Taf on Monday, September 1.

Archers from 29 countries will be competing in the event, launched in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd.

Heats will be held at Glyncornel Archery Centre, Llwynypia and team and individual finals at St. Fagan's National History Museum, Cardiff.

Pendyrus Male Voice Choir will sing at the opening ceremony and local schoolchildren will be joining athletes in the parade through the park. Visitors will be able to try archery for themselves at a have-a-go area in the park, and there will be children's entertainment on the day.

Preliminary rounds of the competition will be held at Glyncornel Archery Centre on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 2 and 3; elimination rounds will be held at Glyncornel on Thursday, September 4. The team finals rounds, individual finals rounds and closing ceremony will be at St Fagan's National History Museum, Cardiff, on Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6.

Competing countries include Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, People's Republic of China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Spain, Finland, France, Great Britain, Germany; Hungary; Iran, Ireland, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands' Norway, Slovenia, Switzerland, Sweden, Chinese Taipei and USA.

Competition organiser Jeanette Howells said: "We are looking forward to welcoming competitors from across the world and hope members of the public will come along and cheer them on."

Cllr Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, said: "The event gives us the opportunity to showcase our county borough to visitors from across the world and we are pleased to welcome this prestigious competition to Rhondda Cynon Taf."

Spectators can enter the museum at St Fagan’s free to see the finals.