Challenge Copenhagen nominated for ISEM award

The inaugural iron-distance triathlon Challenge Copenhagen which debuted in the heart of the Danish capital of Copenhagen on August 15, has been nominated for the prestigious International Sports Event Management Awards 2010 (ISEM AWARD).

Challenge Copenhagen is nominated in the category ‘Event Overlay/Facilities Award’ that will be judged on the broad merits of a project based on the creativity, architectural and managerial skills demonstrated to overcome the challenges of scale, timing (deadlines), logistics and accessibility, availability of local resources and budget. The overlay includes the planning, design, installation and management of temporary facilities to enhance an event’s operations.

“Alone to be nominated for this prestigious award is an outstanding achievement, with strong nominees such as FIFA World Cup and the 2010 Winter Olympics also in the category,” said race director Thomas Veje Olsen. “The nomination is a recognition of the work our many volunteers have made, and it shows that we are on the right path. We have the backbone of the organization in place and we know, together with our partners, where to put in the efforts in making Challenge Copenhagen an even better and nicer event with focus on quality for our athletes, spectators and sponsors.”

With the unique location in the middle of the Danish capital of Copenhagen, Challenge Copenhagen was highly anticipated in the international triathlon community. Never before had a full distance triathlon been organized in the middle of a big capital and never before had the history of a city, the landmarks and iconic buildings been incorporated like this. Challenge Copenhagen was never supposed to be just a sporting event only for the sports fans-it was meant to unite the city and Copenhageners embraced the event in every possible way.

“This is so much more than sport. We succeeded in organizing an event that gathered more than 125,000 spectators along the marathon course alone and it was an event that brought together the spectators and people living in Copenhagen,” Veje Olsen said. “Challenge Copenhagen is a unique event in the heart of the pulsating capital that takes advantage of the existing facilities and attractions to create a spectacular setting for the athletes and spectators.”

Other than a great sporting event the Challenge Copenhagen iron-distance race also once more showed that Copenhagen is a major event city and fuelled the city branding, the city’s economy and a lot of goodwill for Copenhagen. About half of the 1.650 athletes came from abroad and the city had 16,000 commercial overnight hotel stays. Also 3 out of 4 Copenhageners know about Challenge Copenhagen.

“The city and Sport Event Denmark realised that this was a good idea and an important event to stage because the possibilities in branding both Copenhagen and Denmark was so significant. Danish values like creative use of the public space and existing facilities and our ability to think new ideas is really reflected in an event like this and I see a great future not only for Challenge Copenhagen but also for other major events like this in Copenhagen in the future,” said Lars Vallentin Christensen, business development manager of Wonderful Copenhagen. He hopes that Challenge Copenhagen will grow to twice the size in both athletes participating (3,000) and spectators (300,000).

Challenge Copenhagen was brought to life in a partnership between a mix of public and private organizations, YWC Sports, Wonderful Copenhagen, Sport Event Denmark, the City of Copenhagen and the Capital Region. The organization holds Denmark’s strongest and specialized capabilities and competencies in bidding, financing, lobbying and execution of large international sport events on the Danish scene.

Nominees for Event Overlay/Facilities Award:

Liverpool City Council – Tradition ICAP Liverpool International Tennis

GL Events – Oasys Innovations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa TM

Wonderful Copenhagen – Challenge Copenhagen Triathlon

Nussli – 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa TM for Overlay Planning

Nussli – 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa TM for the Modular Stadium Extension Cape Town

British Cycling – UCI Mountain Bike Cross Country World Cup 2010

Arena Group – AEGON Tennis Championships

Fast Track – Sainsbury’s UK School Games

Nussli – Empire Field Stadium Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

Facts:

– The Sports Event Management Conference is being held for the fiftth time

– The awards will be presented November 3 at Twickenham Stadium, London

– See more in this link: https://www.iirme.com/isem/awards/award-categories
Former winners in this category include:

– 2009: GL Events and Oasys Innovations for the FIFA Confederations Cup South AfricaTM

– 2008: Nussli (Schweiz) AG for the Formula 1 Telefonica Grand Prix of Europe 2008

– 2007: HOK Sport for the NFL Super Bowl 2007

Felix Walchshöfer, Challenge Family CEO

“The Challenge Family chose Copenhagen not only because it is one of Europe’s most sportive cities but also one of the most beautiful. The opportunity to have such a spectacular course through the heart of the city was an outstanding opportunity for the Challenge Family. We were extremely happy after the inaugural event this year with 125,000 spectators on course, a great international field, superb organisation and it was fantastic to see how enthusiastically the community embraced the event. Overall, a very successful event that we are looking forward to building on for many years to come.”

Rebekah Keat, Australia, winner of inaugural Challenge Copenhagen in 8:54:36:

“Challenge Copenhagen was my 13th full distance triathlon. It was also one of several hundred triathlons I have completed over my 13-year triathlon career. This was the first time a full-distance event was held in a major city, therefore a huge task by the event organizers and all the people involved. I had a fantastic race to win, but also an amazing experience that was second to none. The organization, hospitality, volunteers and fellow competitors really got into the Challenge family spirit that it is known for. To be a first-time host in a capital city is not an easy task. The race organizers need to be truly proud and congratulated on their amazing efforts! This race had 125,000 spectators – something us athletes love – and a big indication of how well received the race was in only its premier year! I have no doubt Challenge Copenhagen will be bigger and better each year, and certainly be an iconic sporting event not just for Copenhagen but world wide!”

Tim Berkel, Australia, winner of Inaugural Challenge Copenhagen in 8.07.39:

“I was so ecstatic to win a race in such a beautiful city with such an amazing atmosphere. Thank you, Copenhagen! See you next year!”