by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
The players are ready, many having arrived some five days ago to attend a four day training camp under the direction of the host nation’s Gorazd Vecko, the current Performance Director for the Great Britain Para Team.
Throughout the proceedings Damijan Lazar, President of the Sports Federation for the Disabled of Slovenia and for the Paralympic Committee of Slovenia has taken a great interest and anticipates a successful tournament in every possible respect. Throughout he has liaised with the Slovenian Table Tennis Association promoting an air of goodwill and co-operation.
Notably Damijan Lazar assists Darko Kojadinovic, the coach for the Slovenia Para Team
“Our team has enjoyed quality training sessions with Gorazd Vecko; this tournament will be a good indicator of the progress of the young and promising Luka Trtnik, who has increased the amount of his training just for this tournament. Also I want to see how well Bojan Lukezic and Primoz Kancler perform; the tournament in Lasko will be the last test before the World Team Championships later this month in Bratislava.“ Damijan Lazar
The players are prepared, so are the organisers for the well-established tournament which is one of the most popular of all. The inaugural tournament was held from Wednesday 28th April to Sunday 2nd May 2004 under the direction of Gorazd Vecko and Gregor Gracner. On that occasion 176 competitors from 21 countries participated.
Venue for the tournament is the Tri Lilije Sports Hall, a high class venue; pertinently, just for the tournament a synthetic court mat has been laid.
“I think we have done everything that is in our power. I am certain that the competitors will feel good in Lasko and that they gain good results.” Damijan Lazar.
An important tournament in its own right, the Thermana Lasko 14th Slovenia Para Open is also a rehearsal for the 2017 European Championship – EPINT 2017 – which will also take place in Lasko from Tuesday 26th September to Thursday 5th October.
The ambassador the tournament is the host nation’s Mateja Pintar, gold medallist in Women’s Singles Class 3 at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games; it is anticipated she will visit the Thermana Lasko 14th Slovenia Para Open.
She will be a most welcome guest.
2017 Thermana Lasko 14th Slovenia Para Open:
Draw and Schedule for Men’s Singles and Women’s Singles Events (Saturday 6th May)