by Thomas Buza & Ian Marshall
The city hosted the NETU Superweek, an initiative supported by the European Table Tennis Union and promoted by the member countries of the North European Table Tennis Union (NETU) – Denmark, Finland, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Sweden.
Seven intense days which included competitions, conferences and a training camp were completed; gender equality the topic, how to increase the numbers female athletes and coaches.
Proceedings commenced with invitation tournament, six players only, Denmark’s Mie Skov emerged the winner.
On the third day of proceedings, a training camp comprising two players from nine countries was held, the leading players in the region plus the most promising in the cadet age group category participated.
Well known Swedish coaches Anders Thunström and Mikael Andersson led proceedings alongside Maria Christoforaki and Tobias Bergman. Coaches from Norway, Finland, Denmark, Greenland and Latvia were also present.
Later in the week on Friday, the biennial NETU Congress was held, a new NETU president was elected. President-in-office, Peter Sundbæk resigned after one term. He is replaced by Betina Koefoed, also from Denmark.
“I feel that since Peter decided to step down I think Denmark needs to take responsibility in this group. I have been encouraged to put my name forward by several persons that I have great confidence in; I hope to bring structure and increase the level of co-operation and discussions in the NETU group, especially between meetings. This week has been a great step in the right direction, I feel very inspired.” Betina Koefoed.
Likewise, Petra Sörling, President of the Swedish Table Tennis Association, the initiating force, was most positive.
“I am very happy and grateful to everyone who participated with such enthusiasm and passion. This event has by far exceeded our expectations. In my opinion we have created a great platform to develop our co-operation even further through teamwork. The questions that were raised during the weekend are also ones that I carry close to my heart. I am convinced that we now have the tools to succeed in the quest to grow the number of females in our sport.” Petra Sörling
Five days completed; the weekend was devoted to a conference. Petra Sörling opened matters with keynote speech, to be followed by Sofia B. Karlsson from the Swedish Sports Confederation.
Additionally, Galia Dvorak, Chair of ETTU Gender Equality and ETTU Athletes Commission addressed those present as did Maria Christoforaki, a former Greek national team player now living in Sweden. Likewise, Professor Urban Johnson from the University of Halmstad explained the educational programme PIKA aimed towards elite athletes who wants to combine sports with an academic career.
Former national team player Michaela Karlsson, highly qualified with a Bachelors’ Degree in Sport Science and Masters’ Degree in sport psychology concluded matters.
Notably, also present was Ina Jozepsone, President of the Latvia Table Tennis Association, like Petra Sörling she was most upbeat.
“The situation with gender equality in NETU is very promising. Among 10 NETU countries, four are led by women. Now we have a lady also as a President of NETU. I want to say thank you to Swedish Table Tennis Association for the initiative, in this difficult time we are proud that we are together and have a real union in the north of Europe.” Ina Jozepsone.
Alongside the conference, the NETU Top 16 commenced, a total of 18 players in the women’s event. Overall, 16 in the cadet tournament. Erika Fronth overcame Jennifer Jonsson to arrest the women’s title. In the cadet event, it was success for Norway’s Christine Kalvatn, she beat Swede Josephina Fred to arrest the title.
A most successful venture, the value of the week aptly summed up by Petra Sörling.
“From being an idea, we have now given it wings. Now it´s free to fly off towards the future. I am positive that it will come back again, and why not in a bigger perspective, like a ”European Superweek”, Petra Sörling.
Co-operation and teamwork is the path towards the future, all were agreed; simply talk to each other not about each other.