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(Photo
Courtesy: Martin Gallagher/Central Coast Photographics)
“Our
people rarely get to participate in something like this.
We are very pleased to be invited and wish all the sailors
the best of luck,” said Duncan who went on to explain how
Terrigal was originally named Tarrigal by the indigenous
people. He went on to acknowledge “Our people, past
and present, on this land.”
Next,
Helen Monks from the Championship Organising Committee
introduced three students from the dance college for young
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who performed for the
crowd.
Minister
Della Bosca declared the Championship open. The
Minister acknowledged and paid respects to the Elders and
welcomed members of the indigenous community, those involved
in running the Championship and the sailors. “It’s
great to be here,” he said.
“This
(the World Championship) has been a long time coming.
This is a fascinating sight; seeing all the Lasers.
I’m looking forward to seeing some world class sailing.
“There
were a lot of prospective venues considered for the Worlds,
but the Central Coast was chosen. I hope lots of
people come to watch the racing and all enjoy the
experience.
“It
will be the greatest and most authentic competition – they
(the sailors) are world class athletes and we feel
privileged to hold their competition here. There is
such a wide diversity of nations – and Australians always
welcome all cultures and nations,” he said.
“The
NSW Government and Gosford Council consider it a great
privilege to hold a first World Championship here,”
Minister Della Bosca said in closing.
Gosford
Sailing Club president, Vardon Brown, welcomed all on behalf
of the host sailing club. “We understand the
importance of this regatta and we wish all competitors
success,” he said.
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