Basel, Switzerland is preparing for the 11th World Agility Championships, which will be held on Oct 6-8, 2006.  The AKC/USA World Team sponsored by Eukanuba and Clean Run Productions met in Zurich, Switzerland after arriving from both Dallas and Atlanta airports.  Along with the handlers, we had six dogs that flew in the cabin and six that flew in the hold, plus over 60 enthusiastic World Team Supporters who traveled to provide their cheerleading talents.  More Team Supporters will continue to arrive during the week from their various travels. We expect to have over 100 cheerleaders supporting the team this year.

Everyone arrived in Zurich full of energy and excitement ready to see the beautiful country of Switzerland and eager for the competition to begin on Friday. After a ninety minute bus ride to Basel, the group checked into their rooms at the Ramada to rest a bit before going out to see the city.  The Ramada is located at the edge of the picturesque edge of the Old Town area of Basel.  Located just out the hotel’s front door there are trams and busses that can take us everywhere – even up to the edge of the Black Forest in Germany.  For most, the afternoon was spent by walking around the Old Town and with everyone trying to maintain the common goal of staying awake so they could get a good night’s sleep.

The evening found many team members and supporters in the lobby sharing tips on where to go the next day and how to get their computers and cell phones to function!  Nothing builds camaraderie like being in a foreign country.

Tomorrow the team will meet to take the very efficient tram system over to the 4,400 seat St. Jakobs-Arena where the competition will be held this Friday through Sunday.  If the weather is good the team (dogs included) will go on a 90-minute walk around town.  Later in the day the team will have their first Team meeting with Coach Nancy Gyes (San Jose, CA) and Assistant Coach Kathie Leggett (Sacramento, CA).

Check back for more reports and photos leading up to this special event.