- press release -

CABLE KRK

Camp for disabled / 10-15 May 2004.

From May 10 to 15 Wakeboard club Krk hosted the international camp for disabled

Varna Laco, president of the Wakeboard club Krk graded the camp as excellent and said that the past five days activities at Cable Krk were a great experience for both participants and the cable crew. Camp attendants learned the basics of sport and found it tough but very amusing. They also took part at today's friendly competition - The first stop of Euro Cable Tour for Disabled together with the experienced riders from France, Switzerland and Netherlands. For the winners in three categories the organizer prepared special prizes and presents. Waterskiing for disabled is a well accepted sport throughout the Europe, and this week at Cable Krk camp Croatians were for the first time given a chance to try it. All participants, as well as the newcomers, are welcome to Cable Krk, where they'll have a special equipment at disposal. Camp was conducted by Christophe Fasel, the actual world champion in waterskiing for disabled and Philippe Turchet, also an experienced rider and the president of the European Disabled Council in IWSF (International Waterski Federation).

Today Croatian riders in category rookies made effort to present what they learned in the five days camp at the Cable Krk, and experienced riders from France, Switzerland and Netherlands competed in classic waterski disciplines - slalom and tricks.

For more info on waterskiing for disabled visit www.waterskieame.org/disabled.htm.

- Personal review - Silvia -

Regarding all that happened during past two weeks, first I needed a few days of good sleep and than to put all the impressions at the right place. When Varna asked me to try and write something for you, my dear readers and visitors of this web site, I have to admit that I didn't know what I was expected to do actually... so, as the hardest part is always  to start, I'll just skip that... for the first time ever, this year we had a disabled camp for one week and I think the whole thing was a bigger challenge for us then for them... beside five foreigners we had four local heroes for whom it was the first live experience with waterskiing ever....the guys 'stud up' to a task as real champions, but the best part was the amount of good time that we all spent together... of course, three days before their arrival the conditions for disabled persons were not ready at all, actually not even suitable for anyone with a little misbalance... fortunately, we have Tomislav on our team followed with his young assistant Igor,  who replaced and built all necessary ramps so guys could easily park their wheels to any part of the cable (even Minnie Vinnie)....hm, hm, where was I...the only thing that spoiled the atmosphere a little bit was strong wind that made cold water even colder... it also discouraged home boys to achieve the first corner barrier... besides practice and all time spent at the cable, we had to show to guys how Croatians party in one of two most visited bars on the island....I could have written more about that night but the last thing I remember was Alma pouring bottles of Medica (Croatian schnapps with honey) into our throats... and when she ran out, she just went to the next closest bar for more... the following day practice was postponed for the afternoon... on the competition day weather was great so the experienced riders could show their best... and regarding our boys, they tried to set their mind on wine and good jokes because the time they've spent on the water was measured in seconds... also, I have to mention the best member of our crew, Pero, that won in the 'rookie' category with enormous 7 seconds score...  anyway, another great experience is behind us, which perhaps wouldn't be so great if Varna didn't once more put in use her organization and hosting skills... she even learned a few nice words in French... weekend is over, camp is over, and now we have to get ready for the first stop of European Cable Wakeboard Tour... but that's another story...

- Personal review - Varna -

I can't add much to Silvia's review, all she said was true. The camp was really great and we do hope we'll have the opportunity to organize it again next year.

We'd like to thank:

- Christophe and Philippe for making it possible

- Tonja for a video

- Studio Conex for support

- Damir Štritof and Robert Manestar for help with organization and judging

- all friends and sponsors for their help

- and of course all riders for being such great guests and come back again!