The day began with teams getting ready for the Opening Ceremony up in Turrialba. It began with a procession through the streets of Turrialba, the 48 teams, dressed up  being led by a band and troupe of dancers as they made their way towards the gym where the final part of the ceremony was to be held. The residents of Turrialba came out to see and support the 350 competitors who are representing a total of 32 countries. This can be broken down into 19 women’s teams and 29 men’s teams.

The Opening Ceremony saw the 48 teams, dressed up in country colours and costumes, being led in a procession through the streets of Turrialba by a band and a troupe of typical Costa Rican dancers. Streets were lined with the locals who had come out to see the spectacle of these 350 international athletes as they waved their flags, sang songs, beat their own drums and got into the mood of a big event about to start!

In his speech Rafael Gallo, IRF President and event organiser, thanked all who assisted in making this event happen. This included Costa Rican Tourism and the Tourism organisation of Turrialba. He especially thanked his extended family – Rios Tropicales, without whom this event would not have happened. He also read some words from Jib Ellison who was a key figure in Project Raft which held the first event of of this kind in 1991 – 20 years ago. Project Raft is seen as the birth place of international raft racing. Tony Hansen, organiser of the Camel White Water Challenge (CWWC) events, also congratulated Mr. Gallo in holding the 3rd international event of this kind in Costa Rica – the last one being the CWWC in 1998 – the only country to hold 3 events at this level.

The teams returned to the camp in high spirits. Some teams chose to get another practise session in and others chose to relax. The IRF Congress was held and a new Board of Directors was elected. Some interesting proposals were also put to the Congress and these will be sent out shortly in the IRF Congress minutes. It was reiterated at the meeting that the IRF needs more of the members to be active in the actual running of the organisation as this is the only thing holding the IRF back from reaching its true potential.

An excellent reggae band was brought in to entertain the participants and, more importantly, to celebrate the birthday of the Jefe – Rafael Gallo. Happy Birthday Don Rafa!