European Veterans Championships | 22 Jun 2023

The European Veterans Championships is only day away - welcome to Sandefjord!

After two years of intense planning and hard, but fun, work, Norway TTA can finally welcome the European table tennis veteran players to Sandefjord and Norway.

1775 players from all over Europe will be accompanied by some 500 guests included VIPs like ETTU Acting President Pedro Miguel MOURA and ITTF President Petra SORLING.

The European Veterans Championships 2023 will be organised in Sandefjord, a city in southeast Norway, 120 kilometres from the capital, Oslo. Its´s the first time the European Veterans Championships are being held in Norway, but the Olympic city of Lillehammer arranged the World Veterans Championships back in 1996.

Sandefjord is a city of approx. 65 000 inhabitants. The Viking ship Gokstadskipet was found near the city in 1880. The city was famous for ship building, and the oldest fully rigged ship still in use, the Christian RADICH, was built in the city. So was Ernest SHACKLETON’S expedition ship Endurance.

The city was also known as a whale hunting city, and it had its peak in the 1950s when 2 800 people made their living from whale hunting, on hundreds of vessels or in one of the factories in town. The whale hunting monument in downtown Sandefjord is a must see for all visitors.

After the opening ceremony this Sunday, singles qualifications commence Monday June 26, and doubles the day after.

Wednesday is, as always, a day off, but packed with activities. Some might choose to do some sightseeing in the capital or the surrounding areas of Sandefjord. There will also be a social mix double event at Oslofjord Convention Center were the tournement is being held.

“We are pleased to welcome our European table tennis friends to Norway. We think both players and guests will have a wonderful time in Sandefjord, as together we create memories,” said Norway TTA President Christian IBENFELDT.

Singles play offs will be on Thursday, but it’s also a day packed with interesting speeches. Table Tennis Talks is an innovative activity where several speakers will present work on table tennis history, table tennis and society and politics, as well as the possibilities our sport has in the future.

“We are proud to present Table Tennis Talks during The European Veterans Championships in Sandefjord. The players and guest are interested in the table tennis and we give them the chance to learn and discuss several topics within our sport, such as history and politics,” stated the Championships Director Karl Borre REITE.

Doubles play offs are on Friday, before the finals which will be played on the last day of the tournament, Saturday, with cheering crowds and medals at stake.

The European Veterans Championships in Sandefjord focus on sustainability. After arrival, there is no need for motorized transport to the playing halls. Participants stay just a short walk away. This is one of the benefits unique to this tournament, One Village - One venue. All equipment such as tables, barricades and nets will be distributed to local table tennis clubs after the tournament and will be used by young and older table tennis players for years to come.

There will also be social meeting places when people don´t play, so participants can make friends and have fun in their spare time.

The beach is in close proximity to the venue and a fitness instructor, Ms. Charlotte WATLAND, will offer fitness classes on the beach as warm up for the players. Both players and guests can make sure to stay fit during the week!

We look forward to seeing you at The European Veterans Championships in Sandefjord just days away!