The European Veterans Championships in Sandefjord is about …table tennis. But it is also about so much more. The week’s activities give you the opportunity to experience a lot at the venue, and that is one of the bigger benefits to our One village - One venue concept.
Sunday June 25 is the day for the opening ceremony at 6pm. Famous musicians will entertain you and all participating countries will be introduced. Don´t miss out on this opportunity to gather with a lot of table tennis people. We represent different countries, religions and political orientations. Like we have demonstrated so many times before, we will show that table tennis people are one big family, going all the way back to Ping Pong Diplomacy and even before.
Monday June 26 the tournament starts, and in the evening, there will be an indoor mini table tennis tournament at 7pm.
Tuesday June 27 is the day for doubles group matches and, in the evening, the EVC2023 is very proud to invite you to a fantastic concert with famous German pianist Joja Wendt. He might not need further introduction, but his table tennis inspired show is a must see for all participants. The Hamburg-born musician started practicing at the age of four, but his career took a giant leap when Joe Cocker discovered him, and Wendt became the opening act to Cocker’s German tour. Later, he played with the likes of Chuck Berry and has won the prestigious Louis Armstrong student award. Don`t miss out on this amazing concert!
Wednesday June 28 is a day off. You can visit the beautiful surroundings of Sandefjord or visit the capital with all it has to offer. If you decide to visit the capital, we recommend the new and highly acclaimed Munch Museum or the amazing Roseslottet (The Rose Castle) in Frognerseteren, in the western part of Oslo. Roseslottet may be the most breath-taking art exhibition in Norway and has an outdoor collection of 153 paintings and sculptures by the artists Vebjørn and Eimund Sand. Its opening marked the 75 years anniversary of freedom from Nazi occupation.
Wednesday is also the day for the social mix double tournament. So far, 100 pairs have signed up. Play for life will be another highlight for this day with speeches by experts on topics like Alzheimer and other diseases, and what table tennis can do to reduce their effect.
Thursday June 29 is the day for singles main draw and consolation
Thursday will be filled with interesting table tennis talks in Convention Center North. You will meet professor ph.d. Lars Bo Kaspersen, Fred Radenbach, Stuart Sweeney and Kevin Johansen. The conference hall has space for 200 persons, and you will find it just behind the ASK Me in the accreditation hall. Full schedule below.
11:00 Why do some countries remain successful in producing good table tennis players? (ph. d. Lars Bo Kaspersen)
12.30 Fred Radenbach will talk about why 330 million Chinese watch the Olympic table tennis final, Norwegians flock to icy mountains on tiny cross-country skis and South Africans unite as a nation around their rugby team «Springboks».
14:00 Table Tennis - the sport for the future (ph.d. Lars Bo Kaspersen)
19:00 Da Norge inntok Europatoppen - og andre historier fra bordtennis i Norge de siste 100 år (Kevin Johansen, only in Norwegian)
Friday June 30 after doubles main draw and consolation, there will be a big farewell party were participants and guests can celebrate their efforts before the big finals are played on Saturday.
The One Village – One venue concept will create an atmosphere where you can meet friends every day with nearby pubs open til 2am every morning.
In Sandefjord you will have made friends for life, and memories that will last long after the tournament is over.
Saturday July 1 day of the semifinals and finals! Social event in the evening.