The 2004 IBSF World Snooker Championships got under way in Velthoven, Holland with an entertaining and innovative Opening Ceremony.

 

Proceedings were coordinated by Master of Ceremonies, Peter de Brie, Chairman of the snooker division of KNBB (The Royal Dutch Cue Sports Association).

 

The multi-tasking de Brie, is also doubling up as Press Officer for the event, and is well known around the press rooms on the professional circuit, so he knows he's got his work cut out trying to keep the world's media happy and supplied with information over the next two weeks.

 

There were brief speeches of welcome from the Mayor of Velthoven, Mr Sjraar Cox; IBSF President, Anthony Hull and Chairman of KNBB, Mr Gerard Faber.

 

All echoed the theme of welcome to more than forty nations, gathered together in Southern Holland, an example of how snooker transcends all international, cultural, religious and ethnic barriers.

 

But without a doubt the star of the evening was the irrepressible Erica Terpstra, Chairwoman of NOC*NSF, the Dutch National Olympic Committee.

 

Erica Terpstra is one of the all-time stars of Dutch sport, a bronze and silver medallist, in swimming, in the 1960 Olympic Games, she has also embraced a political career and is now bringing her unique brand of energy and unbounded enthusiasm to Dutch Sport.

 

Undoubtedly a snooker fan, Ms Terpstra launched the Championships by striking an oversize cue ball with, possibly, the largest cue ever seen. This work of art had been hand-made and the Mayor and KNBB Chairman lent a hand to play the "opening shot".

 

A five hundred strong crowd welcomed the players in the Men's, Ladies and Seniors events into the arena, with a mighty roar being reserved for the nineteen Dutch players.

 

Spectators were then treated to a series of dazzling dancing by  various age groups, from the local dance club and the entertainment section of the ceremony was rounded off by the local Brass Band, who were not only colourful, but had everybody clapping and foot-stamping along to the catchy music.

 

The band then turned into the "Pied Pipers" of Velthoven, to lead the players and guest through to a sumptuous buffet, and time to greet old friends and meet new acquaintances.

 

The tone for the "friendly championships" was well and truly set.