Press statements
4th September 2011, 16:00
The Florists' exhibition attracted tousands of people
The exhibition day of EUROPA CUP 2011 attracted tousands of people to the Municipal Sports Hall in Havířov. The arrangements of five contest tasks were displayed at the hall, the sixth one was available at the Republic square. The exhibiton was open from 10 am to 8 pm
4th September 2011, 15:30
The list of results EUROPA CUP 2011
4th September 2011, 9:30
The European Professionals finished their battle in Havířov
The Champion title of the European Championship of Professionals in Floristics, held in Havířov from 31st August to 5th September, has been given to the Russian representative Natalia Zhizhko, who literally climbed up the Olympus mountain of Floristics. According to the jury, she was the best of all the competitors, used flower material in the best way, use great technique and made a perfect esthetic impression on the jury. “I have immediately called to my mum in Moscow,” said Natalia later, with tears of happiness. In six contest tasks the Russian florist gained 484.13 points out of potential 600. This result is, according to jury, very high and suggests high level of the competitors of the 17th Europa Cup which is held once in four years like the Olympic Games. “It is really something like the Olympic Games,” explains the jury president Marios Vallianos from Greece. He stressed that all the competitors in fact are stars within their field and that the title of the European Champion opens the way to next showing possibility career.
Only 5.53 points was the distinction between the winner of the Europa Cup 2011 and the competitor on the second place who became Niina Minkkinnen from Finland. She gained 478.6 points. “I am very pleased about the result and I am aware that even though the way to success went smoothly, it was not without obstacles,” she concedes with smile. Although Niina did her best, she says the competition is over and another challenge is forward.
The third place went to Neil Wittaker from the United Kingdom. Even though he cut his finger and the members of the Technical Committee had to help him, he did not lose his good mood. He was very satisfied with his placing and the result of 469.12 points.
During the gala even taking place on Saturday 3rd September in the Cultural Centre of Petr Bezruč in Havířov there have been another two competitors awarded. The Floristika magazine’s Award was given to the young competitor Marc Müller from Switzerland. Another happy award holder was Araik Galstyan from Armenia who was given the People’s Choice Award. Voting on the internet and by paper ballots was arranged by the Dutch Creations company.
The Czech Republic also had its stake in the competition. The Czech representative Jaromír Kokeš finally got the eighth place with the result of 450.72 points. “I am not the winner, I am satisfied though. The point evaluation is very high, that means we should really be good in our field,” said he with smile.
The competitors were completing the last three contest tasks during Sautrday. First at the Republic Square they were working on the task called From Coal to Blooms. They were asked to make an arrangement form potted plants intended to decorate an open lawn area at the square for at least two months. During the gala event they compete in another two tasks. Hat for Eliza Doolittle was the name of the first of them. All the black hats were decorated by white arrangements and thus became potential hats for Eliza visiting horse races in Ascot. The last contest task’s assignment was given to the competitors just at the beginning of the task. It this task called Surprise the competitors had to arrange an bouquet for general sponsor McGreen inspired by company’s colours and logo. Fantastic white and green flower compositions were made on the stage.
On Sunday 4th September 2011 all the contest arrangements are available to be watched by public at the Municipal Sports Hall Slavia in Havířov from 10 am to 8 pm.
3rd September 2011, 23:45
The first place of the European Championship goes to Natalia Zhizhko
With the last sixth contest task eighteen competitors have finished their two-day tournament at the 17th European Championship for Florists. Audience in the crowded hall of the Community Center of Petr Bezruč was watching contest tasks called Hat for Eliza Doolittle and Surprise. In this last task the competitors were asked to make a bouquet inspired by the colours and the logo of the championship general sponsor McGreen.
Along with expectations, the final fight of the championship was extremely balanced and even the competitors did not know who would enjoy the title of the European Champion. Accompanied by great applause of her fans, the winner has become the Russian representative Natalia Zhizhko. The second place went to Niina Minkkinen from Finland and Neil Whittaker from the United Kingdom.
Other awards were given to Marc Müller from Switzerland (Floristika magazine’s Award) and Araik Galstyan from Armenia (People’s Choice Award).
The final placing of the 17th European Championship of Professionals in Floristics: 1. Natalia Žižkova (Russia) 484,13, 2. Niina Minkkinen (Finland) 478,60, 3. Neil Whittaker (United Kingdom) 469,12, 4. Susie-Frank Norgard (Denmark) 467,80, 5. Tamas Endre Mezöffy (Hungary) 463,66, 6. Thomas Gröhbühl (Germany) 455,08, 7. Marc Müller (Switzerland) 454,34, 8. Jaromír Kokeš (Czech Republic) 450,72, 9. Zygmun Sieradzan (Poland) 449,18, 10. Joacim Lindgren (Sweden) 436,51, 11. Anne Kine Opstad Pettersson (Norway) 433,54, 12. Johann Obendrauf (Austria) 429,57, 13. Araik Galstyan (Armenia) 423,20, 14. Ani Poklepovic (Croatia) 422,26, 15. Ruud Hazelaar (Netherlands) 413,00, 16. Mateja Iršić (Slovenia) 406,40, 17. Stefan van Berlo (Belgium) 396,56, 18. Enrico Castelli (Italy) 364,20
3rd September 2011, 15:45
Jens Poulsen: The third of the competitors belongs to the absolute world top
Jense Poulsen’s name is in fact known to the whole world of professional floristics. The chief editor of Scandinavian florist magazine BLOMSTER has been participating at the biggest world competitions and shows for more than twenty years. He obviously could not be missed in Havirov either.
Together with his wife Fatima Poulsen he carefully watched performance of the competitors and praised them. “The third of the competitors is on the absolute world top. However, the others also proof that they are here not just by accident. I would not want to be in a role of judges because those will have to make a difficult decision to choose the winner,” he said yet before the gala event, that means before the last two contest tasks.
According to him, the competitors of Europa Cup moved the professional floristics a bit on. They brought new use of flowers, used new techniques and showed other tendencies in the overall perception of this branch. “I felt a little abashed at an arrangement of one competitor in the second contest task. But then I read the accompanying text and in the end I understood. It was perfect. Or for example in the first task, I was very curious how the competitor who used honeycomb construction would combine it with the assignment of Symphony in Blooms. However, the result is surely very interesting,” he added.
Jense Poulen was really interested in the main topic of the first contest task, which was drawn on the Czech composer Antonín Dvořák’s birthday anniversary. “That was a good topic, though very difficult, too. The competitors had to study quite a lot and be prepared not only in terms of floristics but they also learned something about an important person of the Czech history. And that was indeed the organizers’ aim. Flowers and music have one feature in common, after all. They are able to join people all over the world no matter what language, traditions or opinions they have.”
About competitors fantasy there was a lot spoken during the championship. The experienced florist agrees that this field probably has no borders. “That is right. Every time I see some extraordinary composition, I say to myself this is not possible to outclass. And afterwards I come to another competition and that makes me chance my mind. That is great, of course, because it would be a pity if the professional floristics could not develop. Moreover, the audience in Havířov can see the absolute best world performances. The European professionals make the world trends during last five years. For instance, the winner of the last year’s World Championship in Shanghai was from Norway. That explains everything.”
The hypothetical winners are also the organizers of the Europa Cup 2011. They have prepared a competition on world level. According to Jens Poulsen, its level is even the highest it could be. “At a scale from one to ten I would give them ten. It is extremely beautiful competition; all the organizers are enormously nice and friendly. Once a slightest problem occurs, they immediately solve it with smile. I feel like I was at home,” he said.
3rd September 2011, 12:15
Mario Vallianos: The Winner will need more than 400 points
The Jury president of Europa Cup 2011 Marios Vallianos from Greece is one of few participants of the championship who already knows the name of the potential absolute winner. Obviously he cannot speak about chances of individual representatives just after the half of the competition. However, he willingly answered other questions.
What can you say about this championship competitors’ level?
“Basically I can say the level is very high. Differenced between the best ones are slight. The final results will probably be higher than average. Just for comparison, the maximum of points the competitors can gain is 600, while the best florists at similar competitions usually get 300 to 400 points. I think the winner in Havířov will need at least 400 points.”
Did the competitors of this year’s championship bring something new you have not seen yet?
“The arrangements of this championship are reachable for public approximately in ten years. By this I mean that the combinations of materials and flowers are really timeless. I am very glad about this development because thanks to this, floristics moves on and on.”
What do you think about the championship organization itself?
“I have been working within professional floristics for twenty five years. I have to say there is no blind spot at this championship in Havirov. It is the best one of the history of Europa Cup. It is necessary to take one thing into account. The florists taking part in this competition are already stars within their countries. This competition, however, opens the way to the peak of the floristic world. Those who success in Havirov will have access to the most prestige events, such as big significant weddings, state events, but also to lectures at universities and professional seminars. They can make use of this chance once in four years so it is great there are organizers who are able to prepare appropriate conditions. Thus the competitors can show all their skills. In this case Havirov does this very well.”
Does it mean you are not worried about future of this professional floristic competition?
“Not at all. I really don’t worry about the future. The development is moving still forward and we deal with various obstacles as they occur. As it is said, step by step. This championship made two big steps forward in one. It will not be easy to continue in such level, on the other side it is a great challenge for us.”
3rd September 2011, 9.00 am
European Championship for Florists to culminate today
After eighteen florists of Europa Cup 2011 finished the first three contest tasks, the competition is going to culminate by the last four tasks. The first one will be presented to all floristics lovers straight at the Republic square in the center of Havirov.
At 10:15 am the competitors will start making the arrangement called From Coal to Blooms. Arrangement is intended to decorate the open lawn area in Havířov. The shape of the arrangement is free, it may not exceed an area of 3 x 3 m and it has be in accord with the area of the square and size of given material.
The last two contest tasks are waiting to be created by the competitors during the gala event. This event will start at 6 pm and its guests can enjoy not only the professional florists’ skills but also rich cultural program. The last but one contest task in Europa Cup 2011 is called the Hat for Eliza Doolittle according to the protagonist of a world-known musical My Fair Lady. The decorated hat intended to be wore by Eliza during her visit at horse races in Ascot has to be easily wearable for a model. That is the only and principal condition for competitors’ creativity used in this task. The last contests task’s topic is still hidden by the organizers. Its name is Surprise and the specific assignment will be provided just at its beginning. The arrangement must contain some of the products which will be clearly marked. The use of own material and equipment is not permitted.
It is possible to watch the gala event live on the official website of Europa Cup 2011 or at a large screen at the Republic square.
2nd September 2011, 10.45
Europa Cup 2011 officially open
The opening ceremony started the first competition day of European Competition for Florists today at 9:10 am. The audience in auditorium and at the competition area were greeted by the Mayor of Havířov Zdeněk Osmanczyk, the President of the Union of Flower Growers and Florists CR Jiří Horák, two representatives of Europa Cup 2011 organizers and by the President of FLORINT Robert Steinmann as a representative of the competition announcer. They wished the competitors good luck and nice experience and fun to the audience.
The members of the Technical committee lead by the General Secretary of FLORINT Toine Zwitserlood as well as the jury members and the Jury President Mário Vallianos and the members of the Supervising committee were introduced to public. All the sponsors and partners also were introduced. Remaining time before the competition start was filled with cultural performances by pupils of Elementary school of Havířov, majorettes Kala of Municipal Cultural Centre Havířov and gymnasts of the school sports club from the Elementary school of Karolína Světlá.
The first contest task – Symphony in Blooms was opened just at 10 o’clock am by gong. In this contest task the competitors are asked to make an arrangement for the occasion of the 170th anniversary of the Czech composer Antonín Dvořak’s birthday. This arrangement must reflect his musical work. The shape of the arrangement is free. It must not exceed a ground space of 2 x 2 meter and a height of 2.45 meter. Duration of this contest task is 120 minutes.
At 1:30 pm the second contest task is going to start. It is called The Youngest City. Competitors will create a table decoration for two persons which should be designed that “mirrors” the youngest city in the Czech Republic – Havířov. The arrangement must include at least 20 stems of Mini Gerberas. The shape is free and the arrangement must not exceed a ground space of 1.5 x 1.5 meter and a height of 2.7 meter. The duration is 90 minutes.
The last today’s contest task - the Bridal bouquet in colours of the EC 2011 logo will start at 5:30 pm. The design of bridal bouquet or bridal decoration must be inspired by the colours of the Europa Cup 2011 logo – yellow, orange, red and green. The shape and the size are free, but it must be designed in such a way that the bride could wear the arrangement and /or hold it in the hand without being limited in her movements. The duration is 60 minutes.
Audience can watch today’s program not only from the auditory of the MSH Slavia, but also on the live broadcast at the Republic square, or on the official website of Europa Cup 2011.
1st September 2011, 17:00
Entertainment at the square, calm at the hall
Atmosphere at the Municipal Sports Hall Slavia in Havířov was unusually calm during today’s preparations for the first contest tasks of the 17th European Competition for Florists. Without presence of audience, eighteen competitors were working on the first two topics – Symphony in Blooms and The Youngest City. The third contest task of the first competition day is going to be the Bridal bouquet in colours of the Europa Cup 2011. The competitors will show their skills tomorrow from 9 o’clock a.m. when the hall will be open for public and the Championship will be officially open.
On the other side, children were enjoying much fun and laugh at today’s accompanying program at the Republic square. This September afternoon was of course inspired by the first school day. Dozens of school pupils and pre-scholars were attracted by the Bubble blower show. The children were enjoying music, dance and various competitions. Apart from the music stage, two inflatable castles, many stall buffets and mainly good entertainment were available.
31st August 2011, 16:30
Meeting of the competitors and their assistants with the members of the Organizing Committee, the Technical Committee and the Jury President.
The meeting was held after finish of preparations at the competition space at the sports hall Slavia. All the participants were greeted by the Lord Mayor of the host city Zdeněk Osmanczyk and the General Secretary of FLORINT organization Toine Zwitserlood. The presenters of the meeting then introduced the members of the Organizing Committee, the members of the Technical Committee and the Jury President. The competitors of 18 European countries were introduced. During discussion the competitors asked for instance about the organization of the fifth and the sixth contest tasks in the Cultural Centre of Petr Bezruč. They also were interested in whether they can have their own tools during the task at the Republic square, etc. All the questions were answered by the Technical Committee.
31st August 2011, 15:30
Press conference
At 15:30 we arranged an improvised press conference for already registered journalists. The organisers of EUROPA CUP 2011 - the Lord Mayor of the Corporate City Havířov Zdeněk Osmanczyk and the representative of the Union of Flower Growers and Florists CR Jiří Martínek were present as guests. As for the announcers of the competition, the General Secretary of FLORINT organization Toine Zwitserlood appeared in front of the journalists. All the three protagonists welcomed the journalists to Havířov to the 17th European Championship of Professionals in Floristics and exp ressed their thanks to each other for the chance to organize such an event in Havířov. Then they gave the floor to the media representatives. The journalists were interested in the competition rules and in the way how the competitiors would be supervised during preparations and during the competition itself. They also asked about which areas photographers are allowed to move in.
31st August 2011, 13:10
Press statement - Drawing of the competitors' starting numbers
The opening day of the European Competition for Florists EUROPA CUP 2011 was dedicated mainly to the competitors who drew their starting numbers. They will use these numbers during the competition on 2nd and 3rd September 2011:
1 Johann OBENDRAUF, Austria
2 Neil WHITTAKER, United Kingdom
3 Niina MINKKINEN, Finland
4 Thomas GRÖHBÜHL, Germany
5 Anne Kina Opstad PETTERSSON, Norway
6 Ruud HAZELAAR, Netherlands
7 Jaromír KOKEŠ, Czech Republic
8 Stefan Van BERLO, Belgium
9 Ani POKLEPOVIĆ, Croatia
10 Tamas Endre MOZÖFFY, Hungary
11 Susie Frank NORGARD, Denmark
12 Joacim LINDGREN, Sweden
13 Zygmunt SIERADZAN, Poland
14 Araik GALSTYAN, Armenia
15 Mateja IRŠIČ, Slovenia
16 Natalia ZHIZHKO, Russia
17 Enrico CASTELLI, Italy
18 Marc MÜLLER, Switzerland
2. 8. 2011 EUROPA CUP 2011 has an occasional postmark
To mark the mail consignments during the European Championship of florists from August 31 to September 9, 2011, the occasional postmark will be available at the main office of the Czech Post in Havířov. It is equipped with the text „EUROPA CUP 2011 - European Championships in Floristry."
The author of the occasional postmark, just like the author of a postage stamp to the EC 2011, is Mrs. Vlasta Matoušová from the city of Turnov. Postmark with a motive of flowers will be in black. Thanks to the initiative of the chairman of Philatelic Club in Havirov, Petr Mazoch, the design and production of the postmark was provided by the Czech Post in a very short time. Letters and integrity bearing this stamp will become a decoration of the philatelists’ collections.
27. 7. 2011 Symphony in flowers - the strongest event for Jaromir Kokes
The press conference before the opening of the European Championships of professional florists EUROPA CUP 2011 was held by a town of Havirov in cooperation with Association of Flower Growers and Florists of the Czech Republic on Wednesday, 27 July 2011 in the building of Havirov municipality.
The Mayor of the Havirov city, Zdenek Osmanczyk, head of press department and general manager of the championship, Radmila Friedlová, Secretary of the Association of Flower Growers and Florists of the Czech Republic, Jana Pudova, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Horticulture of Mendel University in Brno and the member of organizing committee of the EC 2011, Jiri Martinek, and finally a Czech representative of the forthcoming European contest, Jaromir Kokeš were present at the press conference. "I am very glad that the city of Havirov organizes such a prestigious championship. We are a city that has a very close relation to green and flowers. This is a way how to bring to our public something more, something new, " Zdenek Osmanczyk, the Mayor said while opening the press conference in Havirov. He answered the questions of journalists on how much organizing of such events costs; he listed the sponsors and partners, without which it would be hardly possible to organize a championship.
Great attention was paid to the Czech representative for the upcoming Europa Cup, Jaromir Kokes. He revealed that he is being devoted to arranging flowers since his studies at high school – specialized horticultural school, and that the internships and courses, both abroad and home in the Czech Republic, with foreign lecturers, were very helpful. He stressed the benefits of private floristry in the Slovak capital, Bratislava, which affected his art work and further development a lot. "I look forward to the first competition event - Symphony in flowers, for which I specially prepared and I consider it to be my favorite," he answered the question on how he prepares for European competition. He also revealed that the floral material suppliers are mainly from the Czech Republic, a lot of flowers for him are grown at the Faculty of Horticulture in Lednice. Jaromir Kokeš is the youngest participant in this year's Europa Cup.
Journalists were also interested in the evaluation system of individual events, which were generally described by Jiri Martinek, member of the organizing committee and a member of the aesthetic mastery committee of the championships. Journalists also asked about the activities of Press Center, asked about the possibility of accreditation to the Europa Cup and the main protagonists of the press conference discussed the asked topics in detail individually.
23. 6. 2011 - Mascot of the Europa Cup 2011 was named Floriánek
A cheery beetle with big orange antennae and irregular tectrices, which symbolize the Europa Cup 2011 logo, appeared from the flower petals on Saturday, 18th June 2011. His "birth" and baptism happened at the spectacular floral event “Havirov in flowers” which was held by the city for its residents and visitors for the third time in the modern history of the city. The little beetle was christened by the mayor of the city of Havířov, Zdenek Osmanczyk, who named it Floriánek and stressed that it will be the mascot not only for this year's upcoming European Championship in floristry, but also for other events in the city related with flowers, children and merriment. The beetle has also this year's championship logo colors - yellow, orange, red and green. The final form was created by a young artist and sculptor Marie Horakova. Mascot is sewn in several sizes, the largest of about two meters.
15. 06. 2011 - Europa Cup 2011 has its post stamp
The most prestigious European competition in floristry, which is held every four years like the Olympic Games and this year it will be hosted by the city of Havířov in August and September, has its own postage stamp. The Czech Post has issued the stamp on the occasion of Europa Cup 2011 on Wednesday 15 June 2011. On the same day, the stamp was baptized and put into circulation. Stamp has primarily a collector value; it costs 25 CZK (ca 1 Euro).
The author of the graphic design of the post stamp is Vlasta Matoušová, who won the competition by Czech Post one year ago. The author of especially naturalistic illustrations worked firstly with the logo of the competition and its colors which are also partly reflected on the postage stamp. Vlasta Matoušová, who created the post stamp design for the first time in her career, chose as a motive a bouquet in orange, green and white. She was seeking the inspiration in flower shops and finally decided to use the arrangement with orange Kala. The designer had also the autograph session during the ceremony.
The youngest city in the Czech Republic became the organizer of the 17th European Championships in Floristry, when it was chosen for the organization in the Finnish city of Lillehammer in 2009 beating the opponents like the city of Genoa, Italy and Russian Moscow. Co-organizer of the European flower contest is the Czech Association of Flower Growers and Florists and the organization partner is for both Florint, the organization which brings together national florist associations of 20 countries in Europe, which is also the promoter of the competition. 19 contestants will meet in Havířov fighting for the European Champion title in the flower arrangement including Czech representative Jaromir Kokes, who is a national champion in floristry from 2010. Representatives of various countries will compete in six events that will be evaluated by international jury.
A – The town of Havířov represents the Czech Republic in Norway (download in PDF)
B – Havířov gained victory over Janov and Moscow (download in PDF)
C – Logo baptism of Europa Cup 2011 (download in PDF)
27th August 2010 - Preparatory meeting for Europa Cup in Floristics
At the end of 2009 we were informed that the town of Havířov became the organiser of Europa Cup in Floristics 2011. The competition will be performed for the first time in the Czech Republic and florists from 20 countries will be participated in the competition.
From 1st to 3rd September Toine Zwitserlood (Netherlands), the General Secretary of FLORINT, and other members of technical committee from Belgium, Hungary, Slovenia and Great Britain visit the town of Havířov. The representatives of FLORINT (international organization of florists) will come for organizational meeting and inspection. They will focus on actual process in preparation of competition EUROPA CUP 2011. Facilities where the whole event will take place such as conference rooms, accommodation facilities and catering services have been already reserved. Competition logo and websites www.europacup2011.cz were created which we gradually update.
The aim of September meeting is agreement on the most important documents concerning the whole competition – competition conditions, terms of disciplines and competition schedule.
Europa Cup in Floristics will take place from 31st August till 5th September 2011.
2nd September 2010 - Preparatory meeting for Europa Cup in Floristics
Throughout the whole day preparatory meeting was held for organising of Europa Cup in Floristics which will take place in the town of Havířov next year. Toine Zwitserlood (Netherlands), the General Secretary of FLORINT, and other members of technical committee from Belgium, Hungary, Slovenia and Great Britain visit the town of Havířov. The representatives of FLORINT (international organization of florists) will come for organizational meeting and inspection. They will focus on actual process in preparation of competition EUROPA CUP 2011. Facilities where the whole event will take place such as conference rooms, accommodation facilities and catering services have been already reserved. Cultural House Radost, The Town Sport Hall, Cultural House of Petr Bezruč and Republic Square were shown to the committee.
Europa Cup in Floristics will take place from 31st August till 5th September 2011.
EUROPA CUP 2011 - 17th European Championship in Floristics
EUROPA CUP is the most prestigious European competition in flower arranging which is held like Olympic Games every four years in one of the membership country of FLORINT association. FLORINT is an international organisation associating and organising national florist associations in Europe. The competition is determined for professionals and it has been held from the year of 1967. The organisers of Europa Cup which will be realised for the first time from August 31 – September 5 2011 are the corporate town of Havířov and the Union of Flower Growers and Florists.
Patronage of EC 2011 is assured by:
The Chairman of the Senate: Mr Milan Štěch
The Chairwoman of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic: Mrs Miroslava Němcová
The Prime Minister of the Czech Republic: Mr Petr Nečas
Minister of Agriculture: Mr Ivan Fuksa
The Chairman of Association of Regions of the Czech Republic: Mr Michal Hašek
Rector of Mendel University in Brno: Mr Jaroslav Hlušek
24 representatives of 24 European countries will participate in the competition. The individual representatives will compete in 6 kinds of disciplines including the history of the town of Havířov and the history of Czech music. Two competition tasks will reflect the history of the young town of Havířov and its relationship to coal and flowers. Other competition tasks will be dedicated to the 170th anniversary of the birth of Antonín Dvořák and the wedding theme. The whole competition will be finished by the theme reflecting fashion and surprise. The Czech Republic will be represented by Jaromír Kokeš (studio AMMI Brno) – Champion of the Czech Republic in Floristics in 2010.
Ing. Jiří Martínek will represent the Czech Republic in evaluating committee and Ing. Michal Haut will be a representative in technical committee for organizing state.
