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| City Guide - Riga - Sport | ||
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Sport The national sport in Latvia is ice hockey with big matches gripping the entire nation. Games against Russia are particularly important, as are any international tournaments since Latvia looks to sport as a way of getting itself known on the international arena. Increasingly football is becoming more popular, especially as the national team is growing in strength and starting to challenge the bigger European nations. The local football side Skonto Riga are the best team in the country and regularly win both the Latvian league and cup competitions. Skonto Riga, E Melngaila 1a (tel/fax: 73 3 1843; web site: www.binet.lv/client/skontofc), may have only formed in 1991, but they are already growing in strength outside Latvia, and recently defeated the Scottish team Aberdeen in a major European tournament, as well as making it to the qualifying rounds of the glamorous UEFA Champions League. Golf: There is only one golf course within easy reach of Riga. Golfs Viesturi, 1 Viesturi, Jaunmarupe (tel: 921 9699; fax: 747 0030), is 20km (12 miles) on the road towards Jurmala, although not accessible by public transport. Open to non-members, green fees cost Ls8-13 (nine holes) and Ls12-Ls18 (18 holes). Leisure centres: There are a number of gym-type leisure centres in Riga where guests can use the facilities for a fee. The fitness centre at the Radisson Hotel, Kugu 24 (tel: 706 1111), includes a pool, sauna and gym which can be used for a daily fee of Ls6. Atlantis, Lacplesa 38 (tel: 728 0870), and City Fitness, Dzirnavu 16 (tel: 724 0888), are two alternative gyms. Swimming pools: The swimming pool at Riga Technical University, Kipsalas 5 (tel: 761 6989), is open to the public. An alternative is VEF, Brivibas 197 (tel: 227 2182). Tennis: The Central Tennis Club has branches at Kronvalda bulvaris 2b (tel: 732 2920) and Baldones 7 (tel: 761 2604). The courts at Riga Technical University, Kronvalda bulvaris 3 (tel: 926 9224) are also open to the public. |
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