Roland Josefsson has been appointed new team manager for TransplantSweden Sports Association. Who is he? Here is a short presentation.

Roland is 66 years young and leads a very active life where sport is a major part. He lives in Motala, just by the second biggest lake in Sweden, Vättern, where he also grew up. He is married and have two grown up children. In 1991 he received a new kidney.

In sports, he is active in horseback riding, swimming and pistol shooting.

What is Roland Josefssons view on the Team managers role?

- As I see it most of the work is done at home. The Team manager is the spider in the web when it comes to planning, collecting the necessary information and conveying it to the athletes that are interested in travelling to the World Transplant Games, says Roland

The Team manager has to be a bit of a juggler and keep track of the many balls in the air.

- There is the teams clothing, travel info and tickets, information to the team, contacts with WTGF, gather information about the team and send it to the organisers of the current WTG… And all this happens in four to six months before the games, Roland says with a smile.

Roland Josefsson has competed many WTGs, among them Vancouver, Manchester and Sydney. He considers his experience from earlier games a big asset on his behalf.

- I also see myself as a support for the newcomers in the team. My experience from previous games will come in very handy, says Roland.

On site of the WTG he will be the “Service center” for the Swedish team and all the important information will be channelled through Roland.

Sweden has been very successful during the years and history of the World Transplant Games. The aim is now set for Brisbane, Australia, and there is nothing that speaks against that the Swedish athletes will prosper once again. Much to the credit of an experienced and initiated Team manager in Roland Josefsson from Motala

 
Text & Photo:  CJ Ahl