Adventure fair is officially opened

Pere Sampol, the deputy chief minister of the Balerics, and Fernanda Caro, the minister of social welfare, yesterday opened the adventure fair, the Pista Aventuras 2000, which is aimed at children and teenagers. The fair is being held at the Trade Fair Centre in the Polígono de Levante, near the Gesa building, until January 4. It is aimed at minors aged between three and 16. This year, the emphasis of the fair is on the five continents, to bring the children into contact with other places and cultures. There are more than 75 experienced monitors on hand to make sure there are no accidents, and it is their task to explain how the installations can be used. There is also a team of people specialised in training for adventure sports and they will be on hand to control any activities which have a risk element, such as parachuting or abseiling. The fair has been organised by the Balearic government and Fires i Congressos, who have put the emphasis on solidarity and cooperation, with no competitive sports or games, using materials such as giant balls, parachutes and canvas. In addition to the games, there is also a small stage where various groups will take turns to perform music from the five continents in order to introduce the children to the sounds and rhythms of other countries. The fair is an annual event, organised at this time of year to take advantage of the Christmas holidays when the children are not at school. It attracts thousands of visitors.