Group A Prague Czech Republic
Prague Stadium Information:
Stadion Eagles Praha
SK Krc Prague
Palkarska 225
Prague 4
http://wc2009.baseball.cz/sections.php?op=viewarticle&artid=2&index=1
Accommodation for media and fans during World Cup in the CR
Accommodation during World Cup in Prague will be provided by the AR TOUR PRAGUE company (www.artour.cz).
Hotel Park Inn 4* is for media. The price for single or double room is 60 Euro per night. This price includes taxes, breakfast and necessary charges. You will be offered this price only if you book the hotel through AR TOUR.
There is also prepared accommodation for fans at all the price levels.
If you are interested in booking your hotel, please call 00 420 234 099 111 (contact person is Radka or Daniela) or you can send E-mail to stgermain@artour.cz or daniela@artour.cz.
Czech Republic
Prague is regarded as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. With plenty of historical attractions, museums, and theaters, Prague has a tremendous amount to offer one who appreciates history, culture, and beauty. The Prague Castle, constructed in the 9th century under the reign of Prince Bořivoj, remains the most visited site in the city (Muller). Often considered a city of notable intellectuals, the Charles University served as the first of its kind in Central Europe, opening in 1348. From its inception, the University attracted great minds, and although the city was held stagnant for a period under communist regime, today it is once again flowing with art, music, and cultural events (Culture).
While hockey is the number one sport in the Czech Republic, baseball has started making a noticeable impact. The Czech Baseball Association (CBA) organizes tournaments such as the World University Baseball Championship, and the Prague International Baseball Cup, which is set for its fourth tournament this year (Meyer). President of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Klaus expressed his admiration when he said baseball is “a certain lifestyle and also a social phenomenon. It has the possibility to address even those young people who might otherwise not find their way into sport. That is, in my view, the nicest thing about baseball" (Meyer).
Australia
While English is the most abundantly used language, Australia was once home to two hundred and fifty different dialects. Today, roughly two-thirds of these are still spoken, but many believe that only twenty or so will be strong enough to last through this century (Australia). Australia’s rich diversity is an effect of opening their gates to Europeans after World War II, and more recently, allowing immigrants from Southeast Asia to relocate in Australia. Australian cuisine has been affected greatly by all variety of cultures occupying the vast island. They often dine on Italian, Greek, Chinese, Indian and Vietnamese foods, as these are nationalities that have become very prevalent in the land down under (Australian).
Baseball surfaced in Australia during the 1850’s, when American gold miners brought the game over. The first competitive games took place in June and July of 1878 between players on the Surry Baseball Club and the NSW Cricket Association. Through the years, baseball has become a big part of sport in Australia (Baseball). While there is no official national league in Australia, the Australian Baseball Federation was introduced in 1989. As the governing body of competitive baseball games it has seen outstanding results in terms of attendance and increasing popularity. Recent success for the Australian national team can be traced back to the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, where they won the Silver Medal, and in 2009 when they participated in the World Baseball Classic (Baseball).
Chinese Taipei
Located off the southeast coast of China, Chinese Taipei, known to most as Taiwan, is home to nearly twenty-three million people. Due to diplomatic controversies between China and Taiwan, Taiwan is often barred from international organizations or events, but when permitted, usually participates under the name “Chinese Taipei” (Taiwan). Most of the citizens of the islands were born on mainland China or have ancestors that were. Passed through their elders, cuisine in Chinese Taipei is comparable to China. They feature eight different types of food, ranging from Cantonese, to Sichuan, and portraying elements of culture, economic status, and geography in their cooking (Popular). The Taipei 101 building serves as a significant symbol of Chinese Taipei, as it stands one hundred and one stories above the ground, with five floors underground (Visit).
Baseball reached Chinese Taipei via Japanese settlers in the late 1800’s. The sport has been a mainstay since Little Leaguers from the island won the Little League World Series in 1969. Chinese Taipei’s dominance from 1969 to 1981 included ten Little League World Series Championships, and helped them win the most by a country in the history of the event (Connor). In addition, players from Chinese Taipei treat each other with the utmost respect, shaking hands with their opponents after the game, and bowing to fans to express their gratitude (Connor).
Mexico
Mexico is a country that is full of culture, history, and excitement. From the Mayans, who created a calendar, developed a written language, and built cities, to Cinco de Mayo, a celebration of victory at the Battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862 (All). Mexico is also known for their fantastic cuisine, which is often comprised of corn, beans, avocado, and rice. Numerous musical styles also are seen throughout Mexico, with the most notable being ranchero. Performed by mariachi bands dressed in cowboy outfits and wide-brimmed hats, ranchero emphasizes “love, patriotism, and nature” (All).
While the specific date is unknown, baseball is believed that have reached Mexico in the mid-to-late 1800’s. Brought over by American railroad, baseball has become a large part of Mexican sports and currently, there are over one hundred Mexican-born players in the Major League Baseball system (Sanchez). The Mexican League, created in 1925, has had ups and downs in its history, but now maintains sixteen summer league teams broken up by North and South, and eight winter league teams (Sanchez).
