MESSAGE FROM THE EUROPEAN ATHLETICS PRESIDENT
I am extremely pleased that Albufeira will host the 2010 SPAR European Cross Country Championships. A European Athletics delegation recently visited this sun-blessed city in the Algarve region in preparation for the event and visited the fantastic Cross Country course. Early preparations are going well in Albufeira and I look forward to a memorable 17th edition of the championships.

Portugal has some excellent Cross Country runners who may well star in Albufeira. Cross Country running is very popular in the country and this should make sure interest among fans is strong in December 2010.

Indeed, the discipline of Cross Country is growing to be an ever more important part of athletics during the winter months. Cross Country brings together athletes from the middle distances up to the Marathon in the same race and provides a special challenge as the running surface can change according to the weather conditions.

The SPAR European Cross Country Championships are always an exciting and interesting competition, with the added dimension of also being a team event. The combination of the beauty of the local Albufeira environment and the natural obstacles on the course will provide a memorable experience for athletes, officials and fans alike.

I would like to thank in advance the Portuguese Athletics Federation, the Albufeira 2010 Local Organising Committee and the City Hall in Albufeira for their hard work now and in the future with regards to the organisation of the championships.

I hope that Albufeira 2010 continues the success story of the SPAR European Cross Country Championships and I look forward to meeting Europe's Cross Country family in December 2010 in Portugal.

Hansjörg Wirz
European Athletics President

LOC MESSAGE
To receive an event of such dimension as the SPAR European Cross Country Championships represents a great challenge which involves an equally high level of responsibility. We believe Albufeira has excellent conditions for the sports practice and for hosting high competition level events, as the one which will take place in 2010.

Portugal is a country of well known Athletics champions and where cross country has a strong tradition. We are sure that in the name of this tradition the event will raise very high interest among the local population.

Know as a city with a connection to the sea and tourism, Albufeira wants to take advantage with this event to introduce itself as a welcoming city that can provide different attracting activities to the visitors through the whole year.

The Local Organiser Committee is very engaged and confident in ensuring this event's success and we are sure the citizens of Albufeira will receive all the participants with open arms.

In 2010, meet you in Albufeira.