Geneva
Geneva, situated at the west end of Lake Geneva, is the capital of the canton of the same name and the second largest city in Switzerland with 170'000 inhabitants. The canton counts about 450'000 persons, and when neighboring canton Vaud and France and are included, the Geneva Region has about 700'000 residents.
From Roman times days (Julius Cesar conquered Geneva in 52 BC) to Middle Ages, Geneva was always renowned as a market place, hosting exchanges from all over Europe. When the Refor-mation swept Europe, Geneva, converted by John Calvin in 1536, became a protestant stronghold.
Independant throughout the centuries, Geneva was often targeted by foreign troups, but never fell. In 1602, troups from Savoy tried to surprise the city by setting up ladders against the thick walls on a moonless night. Awakend by the watch, the Genevois fought off the troups and defeated their opponents. December the 12th, date of the victory, is still celebrated today by its inhabitants..
Following the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo in 1814, Geneva joined the Swiss Confederation in 1815. In 1863, Henry-Dunant, a local citizen, created the International Red Cross. Then in 1920, the City was host for the Society of Nations, the forerunner of the United Nations. After the second world war, the european headquarters of the United Nations and many international organizations were set up in Geneva.
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Venue
The competition center includes a main field for the competitions, with 1'400 seats all with an excellent view on the playing grounds. It furthermore offers 3 practice fields of smaller dimensions, a sick bay and will be the heart for the whole week of activities.
Situated in the center of the City and with excellent public transportation possibilities, as well as numerous parking places, the Center is ideal for high level international competitions. It has in the past already held many major events, either national or international.
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