In Ventspils almost all sports fans have heard of Sarmite and Leons – they are the most patriotic fans I have ever met. Always smiling and full of joy. Fan attributes like t-shirts, scarves and basketball with the logos of Ventspils teams are always with them. After the interview I had a feeling that the chatting was only with one person. No, it was not because only one of them talked – it was due to the fact there were no split of the thoughts among them and if one of them said something the other one just added to the same topic and idea. It was pure harmony – players on the basketball field should have something similar in order to understand what are the others thinking and what are they going to do in the next episodes. Sometimes fans are like the sixth player on the field, therefore let’s see what do they have to say about being a sports fan.

What are your impressions about today’s game? (interview was held on 13th of February after the game Ventspils vs. Tartu Rock. Ventspils lost 74:75)

Well, we of course till the end of the game hoped for the victory but you know it is sports and ball is round. There is nothing you can do with that. Live on and hope next time there will be a victory.

How did all the fan things started?

We are from Talsi (a town 75km from Ventspils). And it all started in 1998 when we can name ourselves like real fans. We just liked and enjoyed sports.

Are you fans of just basketball or other sports as well?

We are actually fans of all the sports connected with Ventspils or Talsi. It does not matter if it is basketball, football or any other sports game.

Which player is your favourite one from team Ventspils?

There is no doubt it is Janis Strelnieks – he is from Talsi. (both of them laughs)

If we take a look back to all the previous seasons – which player from team Ventspils could be named the MVP?

It is hard to say – to our mind it could be Ainars Bagatskis also known as the famous golden hand. But there are plenty other good players as well – like Uvis Helmanis (besides he is from Talsi), Sandis Buskevics, Martins Skirmants.

In which season the roster of team Ventspils looked the strongest one?

It is really hard to say – there have been a lot of good times when still Armands Kraulins and Karlis Muiznieks were the head coaches of the team. Many great victories have been achieved and there have been successes in international tournaments like NEBL, FIBA Eurocup, ULEB Cup. But to name one particular year or season it is really tough.

Victory over Zalgiris at the end of the January? Any celebrations afterwards?

No, not this time. Previously there have been many cases when the match has been recorded during the game and then some players and management of the team comes to our place and we are watching the game once again and analyze together all the aspects. Sometimes it was even till four in the morning. Then it was a real fun and celebrations. But anyway we are still like a happy family with the management and players of the team Ventspils. Besides we are the first ones to get free of charge life time ticket to all the Ventspils games.

What are your impressions about the new head coach Silvano Poropat?

He looks really professional, let’s the new guys play, meaning there is a rotation of players during the game. Previously it looked like the guys from the starting five list are running out of their breath but the rotation was not that high. Now the starting five does not play so much and more players are coming from the bench to give breaks for the starting five.

What are your opinion about new player Jamaal Tatum?

He looks like a fast guy and we believe he will feel well in the team and gradually improve his skills. At the ending of the season he will be a good strength to the team.

Any other hobbies besides being sports fans?

Leons mentioned he likes go fishing, however Sarmite enjoys music, particularly opera. Additionally, she likes reading good books and travelling aroud.