It is a great pleasure to welcome all the national teams from France, Switzerland, Hungary, Denmark, Spain, and Latvia to the sportive city of Valmiera!

Valmiera has already proved to be a recognized city of sports! In Valmiera were born and have trained many worldwide known sportsmen. We are proud of our Maris Strombergs, the two-time Olympic champion in BMX, Oskars Melbardis – currently number one in bobsleigh, and we cannot forget our root – Mr Janis Dalins, the first Olympic medallist ever in the history of Latvia, who won the silver medal in 50km walking, in Los Angeles 1932. Hundreds and hundreds of fans also love to cheer up the basketball and floorball teams.

Valmiera is a dynamic city and therefore always in a motion! Valmiera offers very developed infrastructure for business and production, we have a very good educational system, high-quality health services, rich cultural life, and many possibilities for recreation. Valmiera is a green city, and people here love to live an active lifestyle whether it is walking, Nordic walking, biking, running or doing other sportive activities.

I am honoured that Valmiera has the opportunity to host the Women World Floorball Championship Qualification tournament. I wish all of you good luck, enough energy but above all – pleasure to play and compete! May the best team win! Success!

Jānis Baiks
Mayor of Valmiera City Council