Hang gliding’s world championships will launch on Monday, with 105 of the sport’s elite pilots assembling at Forbes airport for the January 7-17 event.
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The FAI (Federation Aeronautique Internationale) 2013 world titles were officially opened on Saturday night by championship organiser Vicki Cain, Forbes Mayor Ron Penny and other guests.
Following the ceremony pilots, their crews, championship organisers and a few Forbes locals celebrated the opening at South Circle with a barbecue meal and entertainment by Gabe Middleton.
The 2013 championships have drawn 105 pilots from 23 countries to Forbes, which is one of Australia’s and the world’s best locations for the aero sport.
“This is a very special competition to me,” Vicki Cain said, welcoming the competitors to Forbes.
Later Forbes Mayor Ron Penny said it was a privilege to have the sport’s “cream of the crop” in town.
The opening ceremony also featured the presentation of a plaque to Australian pilot Jonny Durand, for setting a new set task flight record in mid 2012. Durand, considered one of the favourites to win the 2013 title, flew 557km last July.
The public have been invited to watch the pilots launch each day at Forbes airport.
