FIPPA Newsletter - December 2007.
Welcome to this edition of the FIPPA Newsletter.
FIPPA NEWS SPEAKS TO LATVIA’S LIGA
For some twelve months, an enthusiastic Latvian convert to Pitch and Putt has corresponded with the EPPA Secretariat. Liga Smeltere-Slesere discovered Pitch and Putt in Ireland at Inniskeen and is convinced that she can establish the sport in her native Latvia. Liga and her husband Karlis were delighted to accept EPPA’s invitation to attend the recent European Team championship at Chia. 10 Latvians have already experienced Pitch and Putt in Ireland. They presently have a small amount of equipment – 8 wedges and putters, 200 balls, special grass and some lawn mowers! Crucially, Liga and Karlis own 60 acres on which they plan to build a guesthouse and a Pitch and Putt course. They then plan to organise some tournaments. Latvia would like to begin the process of applying for EPPA and FIPPA membership. Here Liga gives us a flavour of her dream and her plans.
Q1. How did you get interested in Pitch and Putt?
For last 4 years we (I and my husband) lived in Ireland. There our friends showed us the game, and for long time that was our relaxation every weekend.
Q2. Do you have happy memories of your time in Ireland?
Yes, I still have good friends there.
Q3. What are your plans in Latvia for Pitch and Putt?
In last 3 months we established two sport unions. Our next step is get papers ready and establish the Latvian Pitch and Putt Association.
Liga Smeltere-Slesere
Q4. What are your plans in Latvia for other businesses?
We would like to build a guest house, and in fact building has already started.
Q5. Where did you study for your degrees?
I have a few degrees! I got the first one when I graduated from the Computer faculty of Riga Technical University. The second was in Business Administration but the last certificate I got was on 12 September 2007, when I graduated from the faculty of Building Engineering at Newry Institute in Northern Ireland.
Q6. How many people play golf in Latvia?
We have five courses. The first golf course was completed in 1998. Golf in Latvia is for the affluent majority, therefore ordinary people need something else. And we firmly believe that this something else can be Pitch and Putt.
Q7. Are there existing Pitch and Putt courses in Latvia?
Not, yet!! But hopefully if everything will go well, then we will have our Pitch and Putt course ready in the summer of 2009.
Q8. How long is the playing season?
Probably six months, April to September (inclusive). But who knows - maybe we need to start to play Pitch and Putt on snow!
Q9. How will you cope with the huge range of temperatures in Latvia?
We have no choice. We grew up with that kind of weather, therefore that is not so bad, but I like warmer countries, like Italy, Spain, Australia...!! For the course, we hope to get expert assistance regarding the cultivation of grass in extremes of temperature.
Q10. How easy is it to register a Sports Federation in Latvia?
I was one of 10 persons who established curling in Latvia, therefore I know where I need to go and what to do, but I can’t tell you now, exactly how we will get there with Pitch and Putt.
Q11. What were your impressions of the European Championship in Chia?
That was brilliant experience. Thank you to John and Carlo who invited us to Chia.
Q11.
How can EPPA and FIPPA help you?
We realise that this is will not be money, but maybe we can get assistance with information. We will need the biggest support, when we will start to build our course, next April. Maybe then EPPA or FIPPA could send someone and pay his expenses.
Q12.
Do you think there will be a Latvian team at the World Cup next October? Or at the next ETC in 2010?
I think, that next October maybe not, but I am almost sure that you will see team of Latvia at the next ETC in 2010.
(with John Manning)
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