FIPPA Newsletter - December 2007.
Welcome to this edition of the FIPPA Newsletter.
Elisabetta Serafini - Chia
We were delighted to meet Elisabetta Serafini, the Communications Director of the Chia Laguna Resort, during the 2007 European Team championship and were honoured that she agreed to this interview for www.fippa.net
Q1. What has your role been in the European Championship organization?
Since early June I have facilitated all dealings with the local authorities, the media, and the sponsors and so on. I have made press releases to all the media networks. The November edition of the main Italian golf magazine will have a full-page coverage of the event.
Q2. What can you tell us about the Chia course itself?
As it is only 3 years old (built in 2004), it is not yet in perfect condition but the location is exceptional and we have heard very few complaints from the players. On the contrary, they seem to feel that it corresponds to what is required for a competition at this level.
Q3. Is it economically viable?
This Pitch & Putt course is extremely popular with visitors, especially when we have large seminar groups. We close from November to February but for the rest of the year we are very busy. As you know, we are building an 18 hole golf course here and the two will be extremely complementary. If you want more information, you can visit our web site on: www.chiagolfclub.it
Elisabetta Serafini
Q4. What are the nationalities of the visitors?
English and Germans probably account for 50% of the visitors and the remaining 50% are Italians. Our Strategic Director Mike Eivers is convinced of the potential of the Pitch and Putt course. We have now hosted the World Cup, the European Team championship and a Seniors Open. We would love to see more major international Pitch and Putt events played here at Chia.
Q5. Some exceptional sponsorship has been generated for these championships. Could you summarise it for us?
Yes, we have managed to obtain the sponsorship of the European Commission, of the independent region of Sardinia Sports Council, of the Presidency of the province of Cagliari, the municipality of Domus de Maria and Panathlon International.
Q6. Some novel clothing is on view here this weekend?
Yes, this is an absolute innovation. During the championships, the players of the Italy and San Marino teams and the European and Italy ladies teams are wearing polo shirts and clothes made of bamboo fibre, supplied by the companies Linea Dori, C. Sandroni & Co. and Rede Stocking Co. and tested by the Centrocot of Busto Arsizio, financed by the Chamber of Commerce of Varese. The bamboo fibre structure allows perspiration and conservation of heat. The pectin content ensures that the fibre is healthy for human skin and impermeable to UV ray.
Thank you for your time and your excellent work for this championship.
(with John Manning)
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