It is the sixth consecutive time that people from all over Europe meet in Podcetrtek to take part in the RSL BEC Summer School. We have asked the organisers what is it that attracts some of European badminton’s major events.
There is no doubt that the role of the host is an essential one in sports events. They play a crucial part in it running smoothly. For such an important event for Badminton Europe such as the RSL BEC Summer School, Slovenia has been a great asset so far.
The active and close collaboration of Badminton Europe and the Badminton Association of Slovenia have now organised seven successful editions so far and General Secretary Matevž Šrekl is glad that his country has been and still is such a strong host.
-I am really happy that we finally started the Summer School with a new edition. It is great that we decided to organise it and that participants have come to Slovenia.
Happy to be hosting yet again
The Summer School has been running for almost four decades, with seven of the editions having taken place in Slovenia, and six of these in Podcetrtek. The Badminton Association of Slovenia is very experienced in organising it, but of course this year they had to face the added challenges of COVID-19.
-If we compare it with the previous years, it was much easier back then. We already had some experience this year when we organised the Slovenian International back in May, so we know how to go about testing and everything concerning COVID-19. I think the biggest challenge is what the participants would think, if it is safe to come to Podcetrtek, Šrekl explained.
Yet, it does seem like participants do deem it as a safe location, as there are 20 participants at the BWF/BEC Coaching Education Level 2 course, 48 junior players at the training camp, as well as three tutors and six coaches for the players from over 20 different European countries that have travelled to Slovenia to enjoy a fun-filled and insightful week of badminton.
-I think it is a perfect location as we see it. The participants must also have a say in what they think about the place after the Summer School. Coaches and staff coaches are always happy to come back to Podcetrtek.
However, it is not only the RSL BEC Summer School that has kept the Badminton Association of Slovenia busy this year. They will be hosting the U17 European Championships later in September and this proves that they can be trusted with big events.
-We are very proud that Badminton Europe has given us the opportunity to host such an event because the U17 European Championships are a big one. It will be the second major event after the European Senior Championships that also took place in Podcetrtek, Šrekl said.