This was the first time a Golden Oldies Festival has been held in South America and the venue proved such a success attracting record numbers in excess of 1400 participants. The city of Rosario embraced the philosophy of Fun, Friendship and Fraternity and showed what a Hockey mad country Argentina is.
The Festival officially opened in the historic Cuna de la Bandera (Cradle of the Flag) with a spectacular show of tango dancing, carnival music and a fireworks display. Teams then paraded along the Parana River to a Welcome Party that went well in to the early hours of the morning. View the Opening Ceremony photos.
Games were held at the fantastically appointed Rosario Jockey Club on 11 grass fields, all in the one location. View game photos.
The return of the Mid-Week Picnic saw coaches transports the teams 65km out of the city of Rosario to Estancia Del Sel, a 1000 acre ranch. Teams were treated to a typical Argentinean BBQ which included Empanadas and Choripan, then a superb display of traditional dancing, Gauchos and a polo match. View Picnic Day photos.
The weeks festivities culminated in a Finale Dinner at the Metropolitano Convention Centre with a sit down dinner. Entertainment included a tango ballet and orchestra, a comical singer, live band and then a DJ that rocked throughout the night. During the evening the Air New Zealand Awards Ceremony was also held.
The recipients of the 2007 Festivals Awards were as follows:
- Best Uniform - Jokers International
- Spirit of the Festival - John Kerrigan from Evergreens Auckland
- Friendship Award - Hans-Joerg Krebs from German Wanderers
- Personality of the Festival - Wonder Women from Rosario
- Strut your Stuff - Hong Kong Connection
- Special Merit Award - Virginia Newberry from Tango Girls Tucuman
