MALLORCA TO HOST TWO PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL SPORTING EVENTS

36th International Chess Olympiad – 14th – 31st October, 2004.

For the first time, Calvia region along the south west coast of Mallorca, better known for its famous holiday resorts of Puerto Portals, Illetes, Palma Nova, Magaluf, Peguera and Santa Ponsa, will host this event and some of the most famous chess players in the world.

A total of 150 countries will be represented with 140 participating male and 100 female teams expected. Almost 2000 people will be accommodated throughout the fortnight which will feature, apart from the main Chess Olympiad, five separate tournaments with prize money of up to 6,000 euros for first place. Information on how to obtain inscriptions, tickets or accommodation can be found on a dedicated website: www.36chessolympiad.com

International Mallorca Marathon, October 24th, 2004

Another first for the island this year will be the International Mallorca Marathon, which will take place in Palma. Approximately 5000 to 8000 international athletes professional and non professional, from all over Europe, are expected to participate in this marathon.

The circuit, which will cover 42,195 kilometres, will start from the outskirts of Palma down to the sea, along the Paseo Maritimo and around the city’s historic old town to the steps of its famous cathedral. Over 200,000 spectators are expected to attend this event sponsored by the world’s largest tour operator, World of Tui, which has enjoyed a long association with Mallorca since the start of package holiday tourism to the island in the early 1960’s.

Furthermore, Palma Town Hall has decided to extend the event by organising a half marathon around the city on Saturday, October 23rd , when 2000 people are expected to participate. Throughout the weekend there will be lots going on for participants and spectators with a gala night on the Friday (October 22nd), a Pasta Party on the Saturday after the half marathon, and a day of festivities on Sunday, October 24th to celebrate the main marathon

Says Tomeu Deya, Director of the Mallorca Tourist Board, “As more and more people participate each year in the world’s most famous marathons such as New York, Chicago, Berlin and London. Mallorca now has a chance to be included as a unique destination for this prestigious event”.

Further information and inscriptions: www.tui-marathon.com