Interview by Petr Lyukimson, Israel. Exclusively for VKThere are things that Israel can learn from Azerbaijan, Dorit Shinar, the head of the Israeli delegation and the administrative director of the Israeli gymnastics team believes. Her team has arrived in Baku for the European Championship in rhythmic gymnastics. Despite the championship, Ms. Shinar found time for a brief interview to Vestnik Kavkaza.- Ms. Shinar, how do you feel yourself in a completely foreign country?- Great. It is in fact my first time in Azerbaijan, but oddly enough I don't feel that I am in a completely foreign country, our girls don't feel this way either. I think this is due to several reasons. Firstly, Azerbaijani gymnasts have previously visited Israel, successfully participated in competitions held there, and our girls and the girls from the Azerbaijani team have become friends. So for us this trip is a meeting with old friends and acquaintances. Secondly, people here are very warm-hearted, always willing to help. Their smiles and the friendly atmosphere are essential to the athletes, for their successful performances in the competition. At the same time, this trip was very important for me as a sports administrator. Only once you are in Baku do you begin to grasp the secret behind the successful performances of the Azerbaijani gymnasts in international competitions.- And what is this secret?- It lies in the remarkable level of sports organization, the attention given by local authorities to its development. I'm talking to you from the Olympic Village, and it is gorgeous. It really has everything you need to train excellent athletes. And there are things that Israel, in this regard, of course, can learn from Azerbaijan. It is no secret that sport in Israel is considered almost a private affair of athletes, its funding is very limited, as is the number of world-class arenas and sports centers there.- How would you assess the welcome of the Israeli team by Azerbaijan?- Very highly. To tell you more, I find it hard to remember where else athletes receive such a high-quality welcome. From the very beginning we were provided with all the necessary conditions for training, we voiced our requests and they were met. But this was not all. All the time people ask us whether we need anything else. And although we do not need anything, it is very nice.- Have you already had a walk in Baku?- No, we'll have all our excursions on our last day in Azerbaijan, after the championship. So far I've seen the city only from a bus window, but it has charmed me and I am looking forward to excursions. However, our main task now is to successfully perform at the competitions.- Are you looking forward to medals?- At this stage, our main task is to get into the finals, we'll see what comes next. We brought 12 athletes to Baku and they all have considerable potential. But sport is sport and you can't predict anything. Please cheer for us in Israel!
Interview by Petr Lyukimson, Israel. Exclusively for VK
There are things that Israel can learn from Azerbaijan, Dorit Shinar, the head of the Israeli delegation and the administrative director of the Israeli gymnastics team believes. Her team has arrived in Baku for the European Championship in rhythmic gymnastics. Despite the championship, Ms. Shinar found time for a brief interview to Vestnik Kavkaza.
- Ms. Shinar, how do you feel yourself in a completely foreign country?
- Great. It is in fact my first time in Azerbaijan, but oddly enough I don't feel that I am in a completely foreign country, our girls don't feel this way either. I think this is due to several reasons. Firstly, Azerbaijani gymnasts have previously visited Israel, successfully participated in competitions held there, and our girls and the girls from the Azerbaijani team have become friends. So for us this trip is a meeting with old friends and acquaintances. Secondly, people here are very warm-hearted, always willing to help. Their smiles and the friendly atmosphere are essential to the athletes, for their successful performances in the competition. At the same time, this trip was very important for me as a sports administrator. Only once you are in Baku do you begin to grasp the secret behind the successful performances of the Azerbaijani gymnasts in international competitions.
- And what is this secret?
- It lies in the remarkable level of sports organization, the attention given by local authorities to its development. I'm talking to you from the Olympic Village, and it is gorgeous. It really has everything you need to train excellent athletes. And there are things that Israel, in this regard, of course, can learn from Azerbaijan. It is no secret that sport in Israel is considered almost a private affair of athletes, its funding is very limited, as is the number of world-class arenas and sports centers there.
- How would you assess the welcome of the Israeli team by Azerbaijan?
- Very highly. To tell you more, I find it hard to remember where else athletes receive such a high-quality welcome. From the very beginning we were provided with all the necessary conditions for training, we voiced our requests and they were met. But this was not all. All the time people ask us whether we need anything else. And although we do not need anything, it is very nice.
- Have you already had a walk in Baku?
- No, we'll have all our excursions on our last day in Azerbaijan, after the championship. So far I've seen the city only from a bus window, but it has charmed me and I am looking forward to excursions. However, our main task now is to successfully perform at the competitions.
- Are you looking forward to medals?
- At this stage, our main task is to get into the finals, we'll see what comes next. We brought 12 athletes to Baku and they all have considerable potential. But sport is sport and you can't predict anything. Please cheer for us in Israel!
