Sweden Table tennis Association Secretary General Thomas BUZA gave us an overview how the Association copes with the very severe situation due the global pandemic.
“First of all our main priority is health and we are closely following the regulations recommended by our authorities. Everything other than that is secondary. That said even though we are hoping that things will return to normal we are also trying our best to be creative and find new and exiting solutions under the motto “don’t cancel – adapt”. We also try to use the situation we are in now to start up different development programs that we havent had the time to work with during normal circumstances and we are also working hard to finalize our educational platform which is an essential part of our strategy for the future” explained Thomas BUZA.
Q&A for the players
Filippa BERGAND
- How are you right now?
“I’m fine! It’s a special time for everyone but I know there are people having it a lot worse.”
- How is your life affected by the coronavirus?
“The biggest difference is of course that there are no tournaments going on which means no travel. I’m not used to be in the same place for this long.”
- What do you do to stay in shape? Do you practice like normal or do you do anything different?
“I practise just as i normally do if not harder. We have the privilege to practise like we usually do in Eslöv but we pay attention to all the rules that are set in Sweden.”
- What is the biggest difference from a “normal” life?
“Not to travel is of course the biggest difference. I’m not used to be at home for this long.”
- How does a regular day look like now with all competitions and league matches cancelled?
“I practise twice a day and I try to make physical practise every day. It’s like I usually do things but it’s weird not knowing when the next tournament will be.”
- What do you look forward the most when all this is over?
“To travel and compete! It’s been a while now and I miss it a lot. I also wanna give my grandparents a big hug. I miss hanging out with them like we could a few months ago!”
Jon PERSSON
- How are you right now?
“I’m doing fine except some back problems that has forced me to stay out of practise for a while.”
- How is your life affected by the coronavirus?
“The most significant thing is of course that all competitions and league matches are cancelled. It is also a bit strange not to meet my parents as I normally do during the summer. Most things have been and are open as normal in Sweden but of course we all have been forced to follow the recommendations from the authorities.”
- What do you do to stay in shape? Do you practice like normal or do you do anything different?
“I’ve been practising quite normal until I got the problems with my back so right now I’m doing some rehab but I think I will start to work out harder soon.”
- What is the biggest difference from a “normal” life?
“Hmm I would say all the travel restrictions.”
- How does a regular day look like now with all competitions and league matches cancelled?
“Relaxing rehab sleep and soon playing some golf I hope :)”
- What do you look forward the most when all this is over?
“That all competitions and league matches will start and of course be able to visit my family again.”
