Tamara Steinmetz, PR representative of Schwäbischer Turnerbund, the oldest and the biggest sport union in Baden-Wuertemberg, that organizes the next championship in rhythmic gymnastics in Stuttgart, talked to Vestnik Kavkaza about the organization of the European Championship in Baku, the German and the Azerbaijani teams and her impression of Baku and the national features of rhythmic gymnastics events in the two countries.
- It's a little bit different to Germany. We have a World Cup in March. And there's a little bit more entertainment around the championships. I like it too. It's a little bit more traditional, more traditional to rhythmic gymnastics and a little bit more entertainment, a little bit more European, I think so.
- And what do you think about the infrastructure? Everything is good?
- I don't know. I saw only the championships. And I talked to gymnasts from Germany and they are very amused and they said that everything is so nice and the Olympic city, the athletic city, the rooms are nice and modern and new and [there is] really an Olympic feeling in the village. They are looking forward to the European games next year, that they come back to Baku. And they said that the Holiday Arena is very modern and they are very happy with everything.
- What is your opinion about the German team and ...
- Not so... they hoped that they would do better in the competition. They are a little bit disappointed after the competition. They hoped that they would qualify for both finals but it's just one final but I think it's OK and they have qualified for the European games... I think it's OK, but it's a little bit sad.
- The team of Azerbaijan... express your opinion about it
- I only saw that at the training on Thursday and they were very nice to me. And I have a picture of them. They are holding the slogan of the championships next year in Stuttgart, they smiled at my camera but I didn't see their exercise. I don't know... I saw them only at the training.
- And a few words about the next championships in Stuttgart. Maybe you will get some experience here for holding the championships next year?
- Yes, but I saw the press, the media work because I'm working in the press team in Stuttgart and I need a little bit experience and ideas for our media centre for example. What is good, what is a little bit bad... so I hope we will do it best and everyone will like Stuttgart and [it will be] a great competition.
- What is your opinion of Baku, of Azerbaijan? Did you like it?
- Very, I like it very very much. For two weeks, I didn't know that I was here. When you are here in Baku and in Germany most people ask where is Baku and then you answer in Azerbaijan. And they say - what? And they have no idea where Baku is. I like the contrast - the oriental like in Turkey and the modern. There are a lot of huge glass buildings... and I like it. Today I'm walking down the sea and downstairs and the view of the city and I like it very much.
