So far, U.S. has most groups for World Youth Day, organizers say

Published: 2007-05-01

SYDNEY, Australia (CNS) -- The United States had the largest number of groups registered for World Youth Day 2008 in the first 50 days of online group bookings. Organizers said they were delighted with the response, which indicates that 65,000 pilgrims -- including 23,000 from the U.S. -- are already planning to attend the event July 15-20, 2008. Registrations for individuals open in July. Danny Casey, chief operating officer for World Youth Day, called the early registrations "very encouraging." He said that the largest number of registrations after the United States came from Australia, followed by previous host countries: Canada, Germany and the Philippines. Casey said 77 percent of the pilgrim groups had named English as their preferred language, with other large groups preferring Spanish and German. Meanwhile, horse trainers at Royal Randwick Racecourse have asked for compensation for when the venue is used for the vigil and papal Mass. Approximately 200,000 pilgrims will camp overnight at the track, which will have to have all railings removed before the event. Horse trainers expect that the trampling of the grass will also mean they have to replace the turf.

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