Championships
- 02.08.2018
- Ilka Scheible
Heidi Estler, president of Tanzsport Deutschland, accentuated that the GOC is now in Stuttgart for the 15th time. The GOC is the biggest and most important competition in the competition calendar and not only there. “It is a strenuous effort“, said the president, “which needs much commitment to ensure that the event is the way it is and stay that way“. She thanked all the involved parties on different levels, beginning with the many volunteers and also state, country, and region. She focused on the big engagement of the city of Stuttgart, which has a large share in the success oft he event through the yearly grant that it provides. On Tuesday evening mayor Schairer will open the event together with Mrs. Estler. This shows the high significance of the event. The GOC also enjoys this importance with the world federation WDSF, who not only hosts its most important competition series here, but also congresses for further education.
Harry Körner, managing director of the GOC, focused on the growing numbers of starters from China. “We have 60% more couples from China than last year“, he proudly said. Unfortunately, the numbers from Russia are further declining. A week ahead of the GOC the number of starts is satisfactory. Last years standers might be slightly exceeded. He also referred to a new development: this year there will be no orchestra that accompanies the evening event, but solo singer Gerli Padar.
Wilfried Scheible, CEO of German Open Championships Tanzevent Management GmbH, thanked the city and the sport office for the continuing good cooperation. The municipal council is also very positive towards the GOC. The GOC is well established in Stuttgart now. Seats for Friday and Saturday are sold out and there are only few seats open for the other days. Standing tickets are still available for the other days at the ticket booths. Scheible is confident that the GOC will stay in Stuttgart. “We have the consent oft he world federation fort he GrandSlam-competition for the next five years“.
Hartmut Sautter, president of the Rock’n’Roll and Boogie Woogie federation of Baden-Württemberg, brought out the high significance of the GOC for the Boogie Woogie couples. The couples appreciate the special atmosphere and the great ambience of the event at the Liederhalle. Three world championships are on the timetable: Main Class, Seniors and Juniors. He is hoping for couples in all three finals, but the GOC is always good for a surprise. “We have seen favorites die here“, said Sautter.
Marius-Andrei Balan and Khrystyna Moshenska talked about the sportive side. “We have been second placed for three times winning wouldn’t bad now“, so the German champions. The GOC are part of the big four competitions: European championship, world championship, GrandSLam final and Stuttgart. The competition has a special air and they will give their very best to win.
