Here we are, at last! The 2018 European Championships have officially begun. The summer appointment this year is completely dedicated to the under 18 athletes, our amazing Juniors.
We are in Kaposvar, Hungary, capital of the county of Somogy, circa 180 km away from Budapest. The town is nice and lapped by lake Deseda, an important attraction both from a naturalistic and touristic point of view, that will surely be appreciated by athletes and visitors.
The kids are all in the same accommodation, the university campus.
GREAT IDEA! It is the best way to create contacts and friendships between a selfie and the other with those nice faces that the kids like to make. It is another way to create a united, cooperative Europe. It is Sport, with capital S, just like De Couberten wanted.
The first day is always very busy. In the morning there were the last arrivals and began the first unofficial trainings. At 1pm there was the vet check, the first stumbling block. Only those who are not familiar with vaulting may think that the competitions have not started yet. Even the best horse might be discard: all it takes is a heatstroke, a harder kick in the track during the journey, a trivial accident and everything is compromised. In fact, although the athletes often indicate a reserve horse, the moment the “official” animal gets discard, the competition is almost surely compromised. Then, there is no point in denying that the judges get the first idea of the horse they are going to judge during the vet check. Anyways, the highlight of the day is the opening ceremony.
The young champions strut orderly, with a nervous smile on their faces. They look confident, but they are full of expectations and deeply proud to be wearing the uniforms of their nations. They are the future of the sport, they represent their nations, some for the first time, some not, and they already feel like veterans. To be part of this event is already a great achievement.
The lungers follow apparently calm, but they are part of the competition as well. They carry on their shoulders a double responsibility: horses and pupils.
The speaker announces the teams, emotions are high also on the tribunes, especially for the parents, who have been involved in all possible ways. They celebrated with their children on their triumphs, they encouraged and supported them… This show is also for them.
THE TEAMS
