Seizing the Opportunity

One thing became clear right away: the “brand-new” Dorftreff sports complex in Eschenbach was a perfect fit. The facility’s infrastructure is simply brilliant: a two-court and a three-court gym, a large foyer for banquets, and a kitchen included. Tableware, a sound system,

everything an event organizer could wish for—and available to our local club practically for free. We received very generous support from the municipality. Swiss Championships take priority, including a full-page feature in the community newsletter. Walo, the beverage retailer just around the corner, and for the banquet, the top-notch party service from Pius Rüegg right next door. A well-coordinated Swiss indoor team working hand in hand.

MG Bussard seized the opportunity and put together a fantastic event, so much so that even the online newspaper Linth24 reported on it: “Top Gun in Eschenbach.” The preparations and execution were carried out with great dedication by the members, including those from neighboring clubs. Thanks to sponsors such as Scamora Modellbau Wetzikon and RB-Voltage Bauma, we were able to present small gifts to the participants.

The pilots also gave it their all. Spectators were enchanted by hair-raising aerial performances, while the judges were put to the test with the “spot the errors in the aerobatic maneuvers” challenge. In short: young and not-so-young alike gathered for an event with a family-friendly atmosphere. It was simply time for this to happen again! To those who didn’t make it onto the winners’ podium, I’d like to offer this motivational saying: “The last are the first among those who couldn’t bring themselves to participate.”
The only cloud on the event was a heart-wrenching email from Donatas, who had to forgo participating due to the war in Ukraine. Donatas is supporting people in Ukraine who are literally sacrificing themselves for democracy in Europe. MG Bussard and the organizing committee have therefore decided to donate the proceeds from the event, as well as the contents of the donation box, to Swiss Solidarity for aid to Ukraine.

First, things turn out differently; second, not the way you think. An old saying that also rang true at SOIM 2022. The preparations for the Swiss Open Indoor Masters were still dominated by pandemic-related concerns such as: entry requirements for our international guests, restrictions on spectators, will we even be able to let spectators into the arena? etc.

The spectators were enchanted by aerobatic displays that made the hairs on the back of their necks stand on end, while the judges were put to the test with the challenge of “finding the errors in the aerobatic maneuvers.” In short: young and not-so-young alike gathered for an event with a family-friendly atmosphere. It was just what we needed right now! To those who didn’t make it onto the winners’ podium, I’d like to offer this motivational saying: “The last are the first among those who couldn’t bring themselves to participate.”
The only cloud on the event was a heart-wrenching email from Donatas, who had to forgo participating due to the war in Ukraine. Donatas is supporting people in Ukraine who are literally sacrificing themselves for democracy in Europe. MG Bussard and the organizing committee have therefore decided to donate the proceeds from the event, as well as the contents of the donation box, to Swiss Solidarity for aid to Ukraine.

Please donate to Swiss Solidarity to support Ukraine.

«»: The awards ceremony on Sunday evening provided a fitting conclusion to the 2022 Swiss Indoor Open Masters. Sylvain Pasini from Chapelle-sur-Moudon, VD, was crowned Swiss champion, with Philipp Schürmann from Remetschwil taking second place.

AG, third place: Carrard Arnaud from Trélex, VD.

The pilots, spectators, local officials, and volunteers were treated to an event that will remain a joyful memory for us all. In closing: “A thousand thanks to everyone who contributed to making this a success.”