Luxembourg, 4th June all good things come to an end, and with the 15th Games of the Small States of Europe now closed it’s time for the congratulations. The 9 teams and their supporters have left and the Grand Duchy has again found its customary calm, but everyone will remember the great success of the Luxembourg 2013 GSSE.
It was the hosts that, thanks to their athletes’ outstanding performance, won the most medals, tailed by Iceland and Cyprus. And a big bravo also goes to the volunteers who so contributed to the success of the Games with their smiles and helpfulness. And what to say of the presence of the Grand Duke and his family, who lent lustre to the event, not to mention the atmosphere of friendship and joy that reigned throughout, and the concerts and shows organised alongside the competitions, the large and motivated public that followed them, la Coque, the national sports and culture centre the heart of the Games, so admired by the international press, and the gripping online magazine for the Games.
The climate didn’t always play ball but no matter, the enthusiasm of both participants and spectators brought warmth enough to compensate for the lack of sun …
And a big bravo must also go to the organisers, first and foremost the small but big hearted team from the NOC, led by president André Hoffmann and secretary general Marlyse Pauly, whose dynamism and professionalism will not be quickly forgotten.
The flag now passes to Reykjavik (ISL) who will be hosting the Games in two years time, after having already staged the Games in1997 for a first time. All our best to our Icelandic friends!