Let’s continue with other two interviews with the teams
EVA KOSEKOVA (President SSK Bilikova Bratislava - Slovakia)
Q: What did make you decide to take part in the tournament? How many years have you participated? How has the experience changed over the years?
For us this tournament is an important opportunity to play with teams from different European countries. In Slovakia we are one of the best clubs at youth level and we think that is really important to prepare ourselves with the best teams from other countries, something that this tournament in Italy allows us to do.
We have been participating for over 10 years.
During the different editions we have always been the same, with the aim of representing one of the best clubs and to challenge the best players in this competition.
Q: What’s your best memory of this tournament?
For our club one of the best memories dates back to 2010, when we were able to enter the finals of the competition, as well as in 2015,2016 and especially in 2017, when we finally won the tournament. The other editions have always been won by Italian teams.
Q: Did you find the tournament well organized? Do you have any suggestion to further improve it?
We don’t remember very well how the organization took place in the different editions, but we have worked with Patrizio since the early years.
We would love to play as many games as possible, but unfortunately this tournament is quite expensive for us.
Q: What are your team goals for the next year?
We want to reach the final ?.
BRUNO ZURCHER (Trainer Swiss Volley National Team - Swiss)
Q: What’s your best memory of this tournament?
Every year we can’t wait to take part in this event for the friendly atmosphere we breathe and for the warm welcome we receive from the Volley Piave team. We always feel welcome and we want to thank you for everything that is organized for us, in particular for the chance to train before the tournament starts.
Q: How did the team face this international challenge? Has the experience motivated and strengthened the team?
The tournament allows girls to understand that they still have a lot to learn in order to compete internationally. Initially the disappointment for the results obtained was great, but from year to year we were able to improve and our girls are strongly motivated by wanting to do better than the team of the previous year.
Q: What did make you decide to take part in the tournament? How many years have you participated? How have the experience changed over the years?
We were looking for a way to show our talents that it is not enough to be the best within their region, but that one of the main objectives of our team, the Leistungszentrum Volleyball Zürich, is to place ourselves on the international stage at the highest level: with this tournament we found this possibility. This will be our ninth or tenth edition and because every year our team is renewed with some younger players, each time is a new challenge and a great opportunity to have an international experience.
Q: From your point of view, what is the feeling during the weekend? One of the tournament’s main purpose should be to promote friendship and sharing of experiences among athletes. Does this happen? Or does the agonism conquer all?
In addition to sports preparation for the new season, a meeting with players, coaches and trainers from other countries is very important for us and our girls. We can establish contacts with other teams and cross-border exchanges are very important for progress. As already mentioned, during the tournament we perceive a really friendly climate, which is also transmitted to the players. There is a healthy and stimulating competitive spirit, which helps us and our girls. Thank you!