Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď welcomes Žampa brothers to MOD, he is interested in ways to improve training conditions for DUKLA sportspeople

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď met with brothers Adam and Andreas Žampa, sportsmen of the DUKLA Military Sports Centre Banská Bystrica and Slovak World Cup alpine ski racers. On this special occasion, he thanked them for representing the Military Sports Centre and Slovakia. He was keen to find out how the MOD could contribute to further improving the training conditions for the DUKLA members.

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “What I have always said, and always found very important, applies even this time – one current priority is creating and improving the sporting conditions for our DUKLA members and make sure they have everything they need for training. Our effort is to make their training easier to the maximum extent possible. Undoubtedly, the Žampa brothers have great sporting potential and we will help them capitalize on it.” He wants to see more meetings with DUKLA sportsmen and women to discuss their views.

The MOD plans to upgrade the infrastructure and equipment of the Military Sports Centre, so that all DUKLA members can enjoy supportive training conditions. Among the biggest investments are the complex reconstruction works to the Training Stadium in Štiavničky. As a result, compared to 2019, the 2020 budget of the Centre was increased by about 125%. This year the Centre will have its accommodation facility upgraded and the main administrative building insulated.

Speaking of their intention to work towards SVK world class skiing, Slovakia's best alpine skier Adam Žampa said: “Through our performances, we want to bring joy to sport fans and to proudly represent the Slovak colours. However, without adequate conditions and sporting equipment, this is not possible. I am pleased with the ongoing intense dialogue with the MOD leadership, with their step forward in making investments in equipment, and with overall support." Adam Žampa is the first SVK skier to have made it to the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Finals giant slalom, where he placed 17th this year.

Speaking at the meeting, Andreas Žampa said: “We are now going to rest a little bit and have useful talks by which we want to contribute to developing Slovak skiing.”

Sportsmen of the DUKLA Military Sports Centre Banská Bystrica Adam and Adreas Žampa are members of the SVK National Alpine Skiing Team. Among the greatest successes of Adam Žampa this season is his 8th place at the FIS Alpine Skiing World Championships, while Andreas finished 20th. Adam snatched 5th place in the combined event and 6th place in slalom at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi. In the 2014/2015 season, he won 1st place in giant slalom at the European Cup in Jasná, his home ski resort. In 2016, he placed 5th at the World Cup in Kitzbuehel. In 2017, he earned 2nd place in the team event at the World Championships in St. Moritz. He also represented Slovakia at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang. Adreas Žampa represented Slovakia at the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi and in PyeongChang, respectively.