Dear friends,
As an enthusiastic sports fan - tennis was and still is the love of my life - I amdelighted once again to take patronage over of the eleventh edition of the Emil Open. The European Disabled Youth Games have become a truly exceptional event of European stature, and I am thrilled that they are taking place even in these somewhat “grim” times.
Sport inherently belongs to the Moravian-Silesian Region. We support not only professionals, children and youth, and major sporting events, but also athletes with disabilities. Recently, we presented the Sportsman of the Year of the Moravian-Silesian Region Award. Two statuettes were also awarded to athletes with disabilities. They earned recognition not only for their superb sporting results, but also for their enormous will, fighting spirit and the tenacity with which they cope with their disability.
I like to say that people learn two things through sports. To win and to lose. Brno will bring together young athletes who, just by virtue of participating in the Games, have overcome the misfortune that has befallen them in their lives. I take my hat off to them for being an inspiration to others with their approach to life and lifestyle. They demonstrate that it is indeed possible to not be overwhelmed by adversity, to not lose hope and their lust for life. That it is possible to live to the fullest and spread optimism, even though they could be angry and lament their fate, which has not been fair to them.
I wish all the participants of the Emil Open good form, satisfaction with the results and enjoyment of the game. And a great sporting experience to all.
Ivo Vondrák, Governor of the Moravian-Silesian Region
