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In line with the NRW/USA year 2023/2024, the CHIO Aachen is looking forward to the United States as their official partner country in the summer. The motto: “A perfect match”.

When a real cowboy invites the visitors to a donut and pancakes together with CHIO’s mascot Karli, cheerleaders swing their hips full of energy and the legendary star-filled flag decorates the entrance, the nostalgic Route 66, western feeling, the charm of the southern states and plenty of pop music are not far behind: Yes, the USA is the partner country of this year’s CHIO Aachen – and that fits in perfectly with the joint history of over 340 years that unites the United States with North Rhine-Westphalia. The Government of North Rhine-Westphalia calls this current close relationship, which pays tribute to and celebrates the NRW/USA year 2023/2024, “a perfect match”. “So, the fact that the USA is the partner country of the CHIO Aachen this year harmonises very well,” commented Nathanael Liminski, Minister of the Federal, European and International Affairs and Media as well as Head of the State Chancellery of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. “The CHIO Aachen is one of the figureheads of international top sport. Staged in North Rhine-Westphalia, such an event offers the perfect platform to present the intimate friendship between the USA and NRW.” Pauline Kao, the US General Consul for North Rhine-Westphalia, who personally attended the announcement of the partner country on Wednesday morning, is also eagerly looking forward to Germany’s biggest sporting event: “This partnership is a dream come true for us. It really is a ‘perfect match’.“

And that is how this slogan – “A perfect match” – became the motto of the traditional Opening Ceremony of the CHIO Aachen on the evening of July 2^nd, 2024. Together with this year’s partner country the organisers are promising a spectacular evening for the big show. Because the CHIO Aachen – that has long since not only stood for world-class equestrian sport, but also for world-class entertainment. For example, the traditional Opening Ceremony proves to be a 90-minute, breath-taking perfect entertainment show in the floodlit Main Stadium. Theme-wise it is traditionally closely based on the respective partner country. “And in this respect the unique flair of the USA offers a huge and diversified spectrum,” stated Birgit Rosenberg, board member of the ALRV, who in her capacity as Head of Sport at the CHIO Aachen is also responsible for the show programme. In terms of tradition, culture, music and of course also clichés, that as usual also play a part in the overall concept of the decorations and supporting programme, the land of unlimited opportunities means the organisers have a huge spectrum of possibilities to fall back on.

Framed by cheerleaders from Rhein Fire Düsseldorf, who lent the press conference the appropriate flair with their golden pompons, Uwe Brandt already revealed a few concrete ideas about the Opening Ceremony, which thanks to public TV sector will be broadcast live throughout Germany from 8.15 p.m.: “I am conjuring up a picture full of glamour, football and of course plenty of horses and music,” explained the Creative Director, who has been supporting the CHIO Aachen team regarding the choreography, dramaturgy and staging of the event since 2015 already, adding with a grin: “Of course there will also be a bit of pink.” In addition to a Super Bowl atmosphere, Quarter horses and a US American-style presentation by the NRW State Stud from Warendorf, the spectators can also look forward to a show that pays homage to “Barbie”. With their performance, the two social media stars, Hella Gabbert and Julia Steinbrecher, will be depicting the probably most famous doll in the world. Because she has – of course – American roots.

However the USA will not only dominate the Opening Ceremony in the summer, it will indeed have a great influence throughout the CHIO days. For example, the typical US American flair will be noticeable throughout the entire showgrounds and will also be present in the city centre too: On Monday, July 1^st, the traditional reception of the partner country will take place on the marketplace in Aachen. Only the two “Horse & Symphony” concerts (June 28^th and 29^th) have a different theme this year. “In 2024 we are celebrating the 100^th anniversary of the show at the Aachen Soers,” explained Stefanie Peters, President of the ALRV. “And we are going to festively celebrate this anniversary in the scope of these two concerts.”

Tickets for the Opening Ceremony, the two “Horse & Symphony” concerts and all of the sport competitions are available online from the Ticket Shop, from the ALRV offices or via the hotline on +49-(0)241-917-1111.

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This prize places the focus on those people, who are otherwise always found standing behind the camera: The renowned photographer’s prize, the “Silver Camera”, is presented during the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen 2024.

The prize for the best international equestrian sport photo of the year is conferred by the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V., organisers of the CHIO Aachen. The photographs illustrating equestrian sport motifs from all over the globe have to have been taken after May 24th, 2023. The entry deadline is May 24th, 2024.

In addition to receiving the “Silver Camera” trophy, the winner picks up 2,500 Euros in prize-money. Second place is endowed with 1,000 Euros, whilst the person, who comes third, can look forward to 500 Euros in prize-money.

The announcement of the media prize as well as all terms of participation and a link to the registration form can be found here.

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