Squash players from both sides of the Czech-German border came together for the inaugural Elbe/Labe Squash Open in Dresden last weekend.
Organised with the help of funding from Euroregion Elbe-Labe, the tournament was the first step towards more systematic cooperation between the two nations to promote squash participation.
Euroregion Elbe-Labe (named after the respective German and Czech names for the river which connects the two nations) was set up in 1992 to foster collaboration between communities on either side of the border.
The organisation provided funding for last weekend’s first ever Elbe/Labe Squash Open, which was originally conceived by Czech U13 national coach Luboš Walter and organised by Günter Frietsch from 1. Squash Club Dresden, under the patronage of the Czech Squash Federation.
The tournament, co-hosted by Sportpark Ostra / Heinz-Steyer-Stadion and the BallsportARENA, saw 26 Czech players and 20 Germans take part.
The tournament was a MONRAD knockout format with 150 Euro prize money for the winner, 100 for second and 50 for third.
“The Czech players brought national specialities to eat and drink. It was a very nice community and atmosphere,” said Frietsch.
“This tournament is not meant to be a one-off event, but rather the first determined step toward more systematic cooperation.
“Both clubs have training projects and a lively exchange involving their youth players firmly in their sights.”
Dresden is in Saxony, eastern Germany, closer to Prague than to many major German cities. For this reason, Frietsch wants to forge closer ties with Czech clubs which have strong junior programmes so his young players at 1. Squash Club Dresden have high-level training partners.
“For us, it’s a really good thing to make stronger contacts with the Czech Republic where there are some very good players,” said Frietsch. “Myself and Lubos want to organise training camps together.
“In this way, the Elbe-Labe Squash Open can start a cooperation with many benefits.”
All images: Irena Vanišová – squashpage.net
