By Leah Bonga
Being part of the Swiss Team for our participation in the European Korfball Championships (division B) in Wroclaw, was a sporting and human experience that I will always remember. As a somewhat new player, this was an extraordinary opportunity to learn and improve so very quickly. By playing and exchanging with experienced players, pushing my physical limits and tactical knowledge to new heights, and benefiting from high-level coaching, is the combination of elements that allowed me to reach a whole new level of playing.
After some weeks of trainings and preparation, going to Poland was something I was both very excited and nervous about. That feeling of having only 1 week and 5 matches to give it all we had, put all the hard work and learnings of the previous month into play, is a particular mix of pressure and fun. Thankfully, we had such an amazing team spirit and support group to get us through this challenge. Our team was the party of the tournament! If we didn’t win the cup, we definitely won the most fun and friendly team award!
The tournament was very well organized, and our team management was so on point! Thanks to our team managers, physio, and coaches, we never had to think too much and just enjoy the ride, focus on matches, and rest when we could. The matches were tough, there were some great players out there. But I was very proud of our team’s achievements.
On a personal point of view, this was perhaps the one opportunity of a lifetime to represent my country in a sport and that feeling is fantastic! It was also a great way to promote Korfball among my entourage. Friends, colleagues, family, everyone asked me about it and even journalists are interested. I will definitely take advantage of this attention to promote the team we have in Lausanne and further develop Korfball in Suisse Romande! I am very thankful to have lived this experience and look forward to seeing the Swiss Korfball Team’s next amazing achievements!
