My unforgettable journey to the beautiful country of Slovenia began with a special companion, my dear friend and colleague Andrew who had also been selected to attend the tournament, although he was representing Wales ! Throughout this trip, he played a key role in helping me capture memories that Ill cherish forever.
We set off from Gatwick Airport and landed in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. With time to spare until 8 p.m., we made the most of it by joining a tourist bus tour to explore the citys highlights. Our day ended in laughter, light rain, and a paper hat I bought at the National Museum of Slovenia, a quirky shield for my hair all wrapped in the joy of the moment. At 8 p.m., our transfer picked us up from the city center and took us to Maribor, the host city of the competition.
The next evening briefing session was unexpectedly cancelled but that turned into a blessing, as we had the chance to explore the historical charm of Maribor. The competition venue, nestled just steps from a ski slope and surrounded by the majestic Alps, was breathtaking. Words truly fall short of capturing its beauty. One standout moment was wine tasting in the city that proudly hosts the oldest vine in the world, a unique and memorable experience.
When the competition began the next morning, it brought with it challenges, teamwork, new friendships, and constant learning. Every day added another layer to the magic of this trip. The tournament started with the qualification rounds and continued into the next day. On Friday, the third day, the main round began. I had the opportunity to umpire some great matches. As the draw progressed, the intensity naturally increased. Many matches went to a third game, leading to longer and more demanding days. Among 20 umpires including five BEC-A umpires, one BEC-C and international, and the rest national I was unexpectedly selected as a service judge for the mens and womens singles semifinals. To my surprise and delight, I was then chosen to umpire the mixed doubles final. That moment made the whole experience even more special. Representing England in the finals was an incredible honour. Both the referee and deputy referee expressed their satisfaction with how I handled the final, which filled me with pride. I know that everything I achieved was built on the foundation laid by those who have supported, mentored, and helped me grow in England. I am deeply grateful to all of you. This journey was not just mine, but ours. I truly appreciate being given the chance to represent England in this tournament