This prestigious annual event involves participants from all over the globe while it is also the subject of considerable international media coverage.   It is anticipated that the weeklong event will attract over 2,250 international competitors and generate EUR10M for the local economy.  

The obvious economic benefits for Limerick in hosting such an event are complemented by the wonderful opportunity to showcase the region to an international audience.   Such opportunities are rare which is why I would ask the people of Limerick to support the event, whether it is through volunteer work or simply making participants feel welcomed during their stay.

Limerick has a proud sporting tradition and is known as a friendly location for visitors.   We also possess Ireland's largest indoor sports complex at the University of Limerick.   These three factors combined make Limerick an ideal location for an international competition of this size.

Once again I would like to congratulate everyone involved in bringing this considerable international event to Limerick.   In particular, I would like to compliment the 'Meet Limerick Shannon' conference and sports events bureau for securing the competition for Limerick ahead of major cities in Brazil and China.  

On behalf of Limerick County Council, I look forward to welcoming the many hundreds of participants along with their coaching staff and families to Limerick in August 2008.  

I wish you all the very best of luck in the competition.   More importantly, I hope that your stay in Limerick is an enjoyable and memorable one.

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During the last two decades, Limerick City has gone through a major transformation that has put Limerick firmly on the map and international stage as a city for the future.

Limerick is fast gaining recognition as a modern, vibrant European city. We have seen major developments in the city in recent times including the riverside city project which is seen as a key to the successful development of the city and her hinterland.

The opening of the six new hotels in the last two years within the city represents a great vote of confidence by the commercial sector and will ensure further development and prosperity for the city. Such opportunities, in turn, will further enhance Limerick in terms of her great sporting, cultural and commercial qualities.

I look forward to welcoming all visitors to our ancient city. I trust that your stay in Limerick will be especially enjoyable, that you will take away happy memories of your time here in Limerick and that you will return to visit the city at the earliest opportunity.

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Meet Limerick Shannon Conference & Sports Bureau are delighted that Limerick “The Sporting Capital of Ireland” will host The World Baton Twirling Federation and the 29th World Baton Twirling Championship and 4th International Cup in 2008.

Limerick is a cosmopolitan city rich in history and cultural and is the perfect location for an International sporting event. Major developments in the region over the last number of years have greatly enhanced Limerick in particular its emergence as one of Europe’s newer riverside cities. There is no doubt that Limerick can offer the access, infrastructure and welcome to ensure a very memorable event.

Limerick has great sporting traditions and is proud to boast many international world record holders and Olympic medalists among those who choose Limerick as their training ground due to the world class facilities on offer at the University of Limerick Sports Arena.

May we reiterate the words of our sports patron Paula Radcliffe below and wish you all a very warm welcome to our Historic City and the very best of luck as you compete for your country.

John & Karen

John Fahey & Karen Brosnahan

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"It is a great pleasure to endorse the efforts of "Meet Limerick Shannon" Conference and Sports Bureau in attracting international sports events to the region. I have been fortunate to avail of the world class facilities and warm welcome in the area since 1997 and have seen them grow and improve greatly in this time. I would recommend them to any athlete looking for a base to work on and maintain peak performance."
Paula Radcliffe, World Champion and Olympian.