23 AMTA members arrived at the Warsaw RadissonSAS on Aug. 17 for a pre-trip of sightseeing and tennis practice and to overcome jet lag before the tennis tournament started. We played tennis at the facility that holds professional tournaments. Two wonderful native guides gave us a large dose of Polish history. Warsaw was 80% destroyed between l939-45, and it is amazing how they have progressed in only 15 years since the fall of communism.

View the pre-trip slideshow.

Saturday, Aug. 20, we took a plane to Gdansk to begin the 35th WMTS meeting and joined with 8 other AMTA members for a total of 31 at the meeting. The tennis facility was outstanding, 20 courts with a sunken center court with seats to accommodate perhaps 500. The clubhouse overlooks the center court so you could have meals and watch tennis. Opening ceremonies were at center court with 22 countries participating, followed by a buffet dinner.

Tuesday night was labeled a “friendly evening.” A local dance club was taken over by WMTS for a night of dancing to a live band, food and spirits (a small keg with a spigot) was on each table along with red/white wine and later in the evening...vodka. A “friendly evening” was had by all.

Thursday night, the Polish organizing committee arranged for a Chopin concert at one of the 16th century buildings in Gdansk. The concert was superb!

Friday night was the Awards Banquet, and the following AMTA members picked up trophies:

President Paul Young - 1st place in MS70 (a three-pete for Paul)

Bud Foran - 1st place in MS75

Bud Foran/Carole Foran - 1st place MxD 75M/70W

Paul Young/Lon Olsen - 2nd place in MD70

Jerry Young/Betty Olsen - 2nd place in WD60

Jacque Davis/Heiki Aho (Finland) - 2nd place MxD 55M/50W

Mimi Combs/Pat Geshke - 1st place W65D Consolation

Bert Baysa - 1st place MS70 Consolation

Carole Foran - 1st place WS60 Consolation s

George Borge/Zev Wajsman - 2nd place M65D Consolation

Brawnic Orawiec - 2nd place MS55 Consolation

Jan Voda - 2nd place MS60 Consolation

14 Nations participated in the “Nations Cup” and Italy again won the Cup. Nations Cup was played over a period of 5 days with some of the best tennis on red clay you will ever see. In the first round we drew Poland for an opponent and at 73 Paul Young played the 55 singles and won in one of the best matches Paul has ever played. He even surprised himself!!

Saturday, Aug. 27, twenty AMTA members flew back to Warsaw for a last night in Poland together before flying back to the states. We enjoyed a farewell dinner splitting up into two groups to enjoy 2 sister restaurants. The restaurants are in old charming homes with dinning both in upstairs and downstairs rooms, antique tables and tablecloths and flowers everywhere. A great finale to a wonderful trip!

Take a look at the slideshow from the event.