We used a break between the games and other everyday responsibilities to talk to the girls from the EUG attaché team. Our interviewees were Jelena Vrhovec, the attaché of the men’s basketball team from Würzburg, Petra Pecik, the attaché of the men’s basketball team from Munich, Marina Mrganić, the attaché of the men’s basketball from the Netherlands, Irena Mihelec, the attaché of the men’s football team from Finland, and Elvira Anagual, the attaché of the men’s basketball team from Debrecen.
The primary task of the attachés at the European Universities Games Zagreb – Rijeka 2016 is to take care of the team they were assigned to.
‘We mainly help them with this official part, matches and trainings, and if they wish, with the unofficial part as well, such as going out and sightseeing’
Irena also says that the official part includes taking care that they arrive at training and matches on time, and that they don’t forget their accreditation passes and uniforms.
‘In agreement with them, I determine the time of the meeting, having in min the location we are heading to and the bus we need to take to get there. I collect the official results and give them information on future dates. Besides, whenever they go somewhere without me, they have to tell me where they are going so that I can know where they are at any moment’
Marina and Jelena explained to us what exactly is understood under the official part. They described what a day spent with their teams looks like.
‘A day with the boys from the Netherlands looks something like this. As soon as I wake up in the morning and take a look at my cell phone, there are a hundred messages with questions where the nearest shop or pharmacy is, when they are going to the practice, where, by which bus and at what time, when their towels in the room will be changed, and if I could make a dinner reservation at a restaurant for the whole team. Then I go with them on training, back to the dormitory, then again to the game, and of course, I cheer for them throughout the whole match. After the game, we go to the city together for a traditional Croatian dinner and for ice-cream afterwards, and then to Roko to celebrate the victory,’ said Martina, who was worried at first, thinking the team would be shy, cold and unapproachable, but they had impressed her.
‘The boys are very open, amiable, decent, always ready for jokes and I always have a good laugh with them. The coaches are also very approachable and I have had no problems communicating with them. I am very satisfied with my team and I will surely keep this experience in good memory’
Petra also likes her team.
‘The team is great for having fun. Only, I would also like them to win a victory or two’
Elvira adds that she is also satisfied with her athletes.
‘There is a family atmosphere in my team. They are disciplined and I have had no problems. They know the rules and have a lot of information about many things. They love being organized, so they take care of everything’
Jelena also explained how she spent time with her team.
‘For instance, the athletes from my team had a training yesterday. When we get up, we have a breakfast together, and then we take the bus. I am there with them and I wait for them to complete the training so that everything goes smoothly. After that, we engage in various activities, depending on the plan for that particular day and their obligations. If they have a game, I am there with them, if not, everyone goes their own way. At the Games, I support them. The evening is reserved for a light dinner, showering, and of course, Roko’
