Andorra's Laura Alfonso looks ahead to World Cup 2016
FIPPA is delighted that Laura Alfonso (Secretary of the AAPP) agreed to give this detailed interview concerning curent progress towards the 2016 World Cup of Pitch and Putt in Andorra to fippa.org.
Q. Your memories of the 2014 European Team championship?
Laura Alfonso (LA): My memory of the organization is that it was excellent. Both players and the public praised the event.
Q. What specifically went well?
LA: The Championship was generally satisfactory, with very good harmony between all participating teams.
Q. Not so well?
LA: The one negative was the absence of the Irish Federation.
Q. How are preparations for the V World Cup event progressing?
LA: Preparations are proceeding as planned. We have the support of our main sponsor (Credit Andorra). We have all the information for teams and players and are preparing the final details.
Q. What’s on target? What’s behind target?
LA: We decided almost every point and got it done on schedule. The only outstanding point is that teams must confirm to us in writing their participation in the World Cup.
Q. What was the motivation behind applying to host the World Cup in Andorra? Tourism? Promotion of Pitch and Putt? What else?
LA: The motivation to organize the World Cup is to promote Pitch and Putt in the country, that local institutions will see that Pitch and Putt works as a recreational and competitive activity within Andorra and beyond. There will also be a boost to tourism.
?Q. Will the Andorra team contend for the title?
LA: The host country will always be a contender for the title!
Q. What is the selection process for the Andorra team?
?LA: The selection process will consist of the national rankings and some trials.
Q. What impact do you anticipate that holding the World Cup will have in Andorra?
LA: The impact can be very positive.Everything happens for the promotion and development of the competition but we believe there will be future benefits.
Q. How successful has Pitch and Putt been in Andorra?
LA: Andorra has achieved success in Pitch and Putt years ago and maintained that level.
Q. Is where Pitch and Putt is now in Andorra in line with your original expectations, better than you anticipated? Falling short of your expectations?
LA: We do not find that the line is below expectations. We are blessed with a budget for promotion either from sponsors, from the general government and from the Pitch and Putt entries so we have been in a position to do a good job on promotion.The financial crisis of recent years has slowed development. The Andorra climate means a short playing season. We would like additional human resources in the AAPP as people who work there currently are totally voluntary.
Q. What is the nature of the relationship between Pitch and Putt and the Andorra business community?
LA: In previous years the business organized inter-company Pitch and Putt tournaments. But that was some time ago. Currently there is little feedback.
Q. What is the nature of the relationship between Pitch and Putt and the Andorra government/local authorities?
LA: The Government and local authorities offer their collaboration in the form of small contributions and organizational material presented for our annual domestic activity calendar and for international championships.
Q.What is the nature of the relationship between Pitch and Putt and the Andorra media?
LA: In addition to a timely publication of previews, teetimes and results in the media, the general government periodically sends information to the media, especially in advance of the the most important tournaments. The most important method of Pitch & Putt communication in Andorra is the website www.pitchandputtandorra.com.
Q. How many people play Pitch and Putt in Andorra?
LA: Players do not represent more than 0.15% of the population of Andorra. Over the years many players have started to play Pitch and Putt but for various reasons have not kept up with the sport.
Q. Your view on the future of international Pitch and Putt and what FIPPA should do differently?
LA: FIPPA should encourage more communication and seek the union of European countries that are in other organisations. The more Federations the better to get more sponsorships and encourage Pitch and Putt. As the motto on the shield of Andorra say "The united force is stronger."
