Both the 6th Veteran and the 15th Disabled World Championships will be held together on the River Krupa in Capljina, Bosnia and Herzergovena over the weekend of 10 to 11 August 2013.
Reigning Veteran World Champion, Joe Roberts, is in the team once again and is looking forward to retaining his crown, which he won last year in Portugal. In addition all of last year’s team gold medallists have been retained, and the squad has been further strengthened by inclusion of the UK’s top team manager Steve Sanders. Steve’s pedigree is second to none, not only is he captain of the all conquering Dorking Team but he is also manager of England’s very successful Sensas under 18 squad.
Dick Clegg, International Events Manager of the Angling Trust, will once more take charge of the Veterans and is extremely excited about the trip to Bosnia and Herzergovena.
Dick said:
“This is my 30th year of international fishing and by taking one of the strongest squads we have had in this competition I expect to come back with a medal. Our Veterans are currently ranked number one team in the world and I see no reason why this should change. We understand that catches will be dominated by bolo and slider fishing with much less pole work, so it will not be easy, but this team is very experienced and we can win gold again.”
The England Veteran squad is: Terry Lancaster, Roger Marlow, Dicky Carr, Joe Roberts, Steve Sanders and Manager Dick Clegg. Team helpers are Tony Troth and Bill Galt.
At the same time, and only a short distance away, the Disabled Team will compete again after missing out on taking part last year because of a lack of funding.
The type of fishing will be the same on their section of river as for the Veterans, but it will create more of a challenge for disabled anglers. To make up the points structure of World Championship rules some anglers will find it quite difficult to fish at distance with sliders, even though they may have a helper. Nevertheless three members of the team have a great deal of experience in fishing World Championships and newcomer Mike Cove will be a good addition to what is a very talented squad.
Dick Clegg commented:
“The Manager, John Weeden, has done an excellent job in the past, and I know he is hoping to make the podium this year. One advantage we have is that because both the Veteran and Disabled events are located close by each other we will be able to work together to come up with a team plan that could benefit everyone.”
The England Disabled Team comprises: Mark Eves, Alan Chadbone, Mark Russell, Mick Cove, John Weeden (Manager), and official helpers, Mark Wells, Mick Gibbs and Geoff Lewis.
Both teams are still looking for any kind of sponsorship or donations to help with the costs of participation as no money is available from any government department, and subsequently all the costs have to be provided by the participants, or by fund raising.
