It is with great pleasure that I welcome skiers, spectators and officials on behalf of the International Water Ski Federation to the 2005 VANKE World Water ski Championships. I myself am delighted to be back in Tianjin for the most important Water ski event on our calendar which takes place every two years.

For the second time the whole Water ski world is looking with great interest at the Dongli lake in Tianjin. After the successful conclusion of the World University Championships in 2002, the City Government of Tianjin, the VANKE Group and the Chinese Water ski Association have decided to organize the 2005 World Championships. I want to thank all of them for their wonderful effort and support in hosting and organizing this most prestigious event.

The World’s best Water skiers will create a spectacular competition over these days and I am sure everybody will enjoy the acrobatic thrills on the water in Slalom, Tricks and Jump for both Men and Women. Tremendous work has been undertaken by all involved to prepare a great Water Ski Festival for the both the athletes and spectators.

I hope that the Dongli lake will become a very successful Water ski Center not only for regular competitions but also by offering through a local club an opportunity for many people of the Region to become familiar with the exciting sports of Waterskiing and Wakeboarding. I wish all the skiers good luck and great success and I thank you all for sharing the excitement of Water Skiing with us here in China today.

Mr.Kuno Ritschard

President IWSF