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Zhengzhou Double World Championships | Speech by Klaus Schormann, Chairman of the International Union of Modern Pentathlon (UIPM)

Release date: 2023/12/13 15:11:25
On September 26, the press conference for the UIPM 2024 Pentathlon World Championships, namely Paris Olympic Games Pentathlon Qualification Event, and UIPM 2024 Laser Run World Championships was held in the solemn Zhengzhou Municipal Government Press Conference Hall.
Speech by Dr. Klaus Schormann, President of the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM):

Firstly, I would like to extend my greetings to all the journalists, colleagues in the sports industry, and our esteemed host, Mr. Mayor, along with the Chairman of the China Modern Pentathlon Association (CMPA). It gives me immense pleasure to be present in Zhengzhou today to witness the preparations for the upcoming 2024 Pentathlon World Championships, which include the Paris Olympic Pentathlon Qualification Tournament and the UIPM 2024 Laser Running World Championships.

Just yesterday, I was participating in the Asian Games held in Hangzhou. The Chinese team athletes achieved exceptional results at the Games, particularly in the women's individual and team competitions, securing gold medals. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the organizers, China, as well as our colleagues in the Chinese sports industry. Furthermore, the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou was a resounding success, showcasing impeccable preparation. I believe this sets a remarkable example for us and serves as an excellent symbol of the forthcoming successful hosting of the UIPM 2024 Pentathlon and Laser Run World Championships, Zhengzhou.

As we are all aware, Mr. Coubertin is widely recognized as the father of the modern Olympics. The modern Olympics have evolved since their inception in 1912, and the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics holds significant historical relevance, especially as it coincides with the 100th anniversary of the modern Olympics. The 2024 Paris Olympics will undoubtedly be a crucial milestone in history. Additionally, at the 2024 Paris Olympics, we have decided to replace riding competitions with obstacle races, as riding events tend to be costly and challenging to popularize. Our aim is for modern pentathlon to become a national sport, fostering its widespread promotion.

The hosting of the UIPM 2024 Pentathlon and Laser Run World Championships, Zhengzhou is equally significant as it marks a pivotal moment in the development of modern pentathlon. Previously a riding-focused sport, we are now undergoing a reform by introducing obstacle racing. This reform has already commenced in the modern pentathlon qualification and championship competitions for young athletes. Therefore, the UIPM 2024 Pentathlon and Laser Run World Championships, Zhengzhou hold immense importance in the progression of modern pentathlon.

Earlier today, we visited the Zhengzhou Olympic Sports Center and were greatly impressed by the sports stadium, gymnasium, and swimming pool, all equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. It is well known that China excels in providing top-quality equipment, following the high standards set by the successful hosting of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. I am confident that our venue facilities will undoubtedly meet the requirements for next year's the UIPM 2024 Pentathlon and Laser Run World Championships, Zhengzhou.

The primary objective of our modern pentathlon alliance is to popularize sports and encourage greater participation among individuals. Hence, we have replaced riding competitions with obstacle races, which can be organized within cities. We are striving to promote participation in various sports competitions within urban areas. I would also like to express my gratitude to all parties in Zhengzhou for their unwavering support of our event. I sincerely hope that modern pentathlon can take root in Zhengzhou, capturing the interest and involvement of more citizens.

During a preparatory seminar held this morning, I proposed the inclusion of parent-child competitions at the UIPM 2024 Pentathlon and Laser Run World Championships, Zhengzhou, enabling families to actively participate. This way, the citizens of Zhengzhou will not only be spectators but also contributors, allowing us to effectively convey the essence of modern pentathlon to the next generation and highlight the physical and mental benefits it offers.

I would like to express my thanks and appeal to all media colleagues for their dedicated promotion and coverage of our event. Through your hard work, more people will become aware of our World Double Championships, ensuring real-time global coverage in the future.

Furthermore, I urge more sponsors to join us in our endeavors, and I hope to see an increased number of volunteers supporting the the UIPM 2024 Pentathlon and Laser Run World Championships, Zhengzhou. Hangzhou had approximately 37,000 volunteers, and we aspire to have an even larger volunteer force in Zhengzhou. This way, they can not only participate in such a significant sports event but also inspire others to engage in sports and enhance the promotion of sporting activities.

Lastly, as we move forward, let us not forget the importance of inclusivity, keeping in mind Coubertin's famous words: "Let us not leave behind any one person, and let us all join in sports." China has successfully hosted the Winter Olympics, Summer Olympics, and the Youth Olympics in Nanjing, possessing extensive experience in organizing international events. Therefore, I firmly believe that the UIPM 2024 Pentathlon and Laser Run World Championships next year will achieve resounding success.

In the spirit of the Winter Olympics motto—"Faster, Higher, Stronger"—I hope that all of us can collaborate and deliver a remarkable the UIPM 2024 Pentathlon and Laser Run World Championships to the entire world.

Thank you all!

Zhengzhou, Henan, China     Zhengzhou Olympic Sports Center
Postal Code: 450000
Email: MLWCH2024@163.com

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