Netto Cup 2015
Over 300 participants from Poland and abroad played badminton on tennis courts at Tenisowa Street in Szczecin during the 17th edition of Netto Cup tournament.
Patryk Szymoniak, the winner of Netto Cup 2015 in men’s singles
/fot.: mab /
The event was sponsored by a Danish chain grocery store and attracted tennis players from around the country, including representatives of strong teams from Białystok or Łódź and 40 foreign players from Germany, Russia, Norway and India.
The games were held all day long. Holders of licenses issued by Polish Badminton Association competed on 14 March. A day later, they gave the floor to non-professionals divided into number of groups, among others according to their age and level.
“During the two days, we awarded approx. 360 medals and the same number of other awards”, says Krzysztof Bobala, the man who invented and organized the tournament in cooperation with Bogdan Mieżyński (both used to be licensed badminton players in the past).
During the event, badminton fans could watch games on a level far beyond the reach of amateurs, played by winners of Europe Cup, league players and coaches, such as Jacek Kołumbajew, AZS Warszawa, Patryk Szymoniak, Hubal Białystok (the winner of this year's singles), Rafał Hawel and Maciej Kowalik from Poznań (last year’s singles winner) or Marta Falkowska from Słupsk. Piotr Żuromski, a coach from Bene Sport Centrum club, was among representatives of Szczecin.
Professional players came to Szczecin to win awards of the total value of PLN 15,000.
The organizers of the tournament are planning its new edition already. The agreement with the key sponsor has been signed for two subsequent years, but location may be a problem.
“Nine courts will not suffice anymore. We would like to have about 15. The only facility in Szczecin offering so much room is Azoty Arena facility with its training hall and main hall", says Krzysztof Bobala.
Netto Cup, aimed at promotion of badminton, may contribute to Szczecin regaining its outstanding position as a professional center of this sport. At present, the city has no club that would play in the national league. A group of young players at Bene Sport Centrum organized by Bobala and Mieżyński may take the first steps to become professionals. To achieve the goal, though, more young players are needed. Such events as the Szczecin tournament may attract youngsters interested in the fastest of racquet games.
mab
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