From September 7 to 12, the U23 Para-Eurotalents Development Camp is taking place at the National Training Center in Havířov. 25 players from 10 European countries are participating.
This is the first time that the Czech Republic has hosted a similar camp for para table tennis players. “We have already organized several successful ETTU youth camps and we are very happy that we also succeeded in the selection process for the para table tennis camp. In nearby Ostrava, we regularly organize the international tournament Czech Para Open, which is why we wanted to help talented male and female para table tennis players develop in this way as well,” says Nikolas ENDAL, president of the Czech Table Tennis Association.
The head coach of ETTU at the camp is Ela MADJSKA, who is assisted by Sanda ERBSA, Chinese coach XU Kai and, of course, the coaches of the individual expeditions.
“For young players, such camps are very important. They have the opportunity to train with different sparring partners, meet players from other countries and advance their training methods. It is also similar for us coaches. We discuss training plans, exchange experiences and see each other’s work style. This year there were supposed to be two camps for the U23 category, but unfortunately there is only one in Havířov,” said Ela MADJSKA.
The level of individual players and players is different. The camp includes members of senior national teams, but also participants who still have a lot of work to do before entering international competition.
“That is also one of the meanings of such meetings. Players who are weaker in terms of performance see what is still ahead of them, while the better ones have the opportunity for quality preparation. I think we will see several of them in November this year at the European Championships in Helsingsborg, which is the highlight of this year for para players,” continues Ela MADJSKA.
