By a lucky coincidence, my 2019 European holiday was to conclude in Geneva on the Monday after the weekend of the tournament. Naturally, I thought about the possibility of participating in the event.
To check the arrangements for the championship, I contacted the event manager David Underhill of the Swiss Gateball Federation. I explained that I would be able to play on one day only. David generously agreed even though my restriction caused some inconvenience to the management of the event. So it was arranged that I attend on the Saturday.
The courts and facilities of the Club are located within the property of CERN in France. CERN’s property covers an area on the French/Swiss border close to Geneva.
I was made most welcome and introduced to the players who were from the UK, Belgium, Germany, France and Switzerland. Initially, I helped with the refereeing of doubles games.
Then David arranged for me to play a game in the Singles Knock-Out draw. I played Theo Densborn from Germany and Theo won the game 11/11 cb. I thoroughly enjoyed the game and the experience of playing in this European event.
During the lunch break, I addressed the players and promoted the 2021 Australian Gateball Championship to be held at a superb sports venue on Queensland’s Gold Coast. I invited everyone to enter and, to encourage participation, I presented the players with a City of Gold Coast cap provided by Councillor Dawn Critchlow, the patron of the Southport Croquet Club.
All the players were very friendly and welcoming. And the experience was enhanced by David’s very generous hospitality.
Keith McLeod
Thanks Keith for this review of your venture into the Swiss region to play Gateball. They are a very enthusiastic group of players. The very good promotional campaign by you should ensure quite a deal of interest in the Australian Gateball Championships, 2021, at the Gold Coast. Thanks.
We need to give you an Australian flag to add to the group
Frances, I agree. Unfortunately, I didn’t expect that the flags of participating nations would be on display. I’ll forewarn Jim and Barbara for their trip to Europe next year……Keith