08/21/2012       

A successful nine-day Training Camp for the eleven members of the ITTF World Hopes Team concluded at Centro de Alto Rendimiento de San Cugat del Vallés (CAR), near Barcelona, on Monday 20th August 2012.

Proceedings over in Spain, the next stop for the aspiring youngsters was the city of Strasbourg, the capital and principal city in the Alsace region in eastern France; the official home of the European Parliament.

Training with members of the French team is next on the agenda, followed by participation in the Euro Mini Championships

A now well established event; the tournament will be staged in what is now the traditional home of Schiltigheim.

Play starts on Friday 24th and concludes on Sunday 26th August 2012.

Regular Stop for ITTF Hopes Team
The tournament has become a regular stop for members of the ITTF World Hopes Team, as it has become for many other countries, with 2012 seeing the eighth edition of the every growing event.

It is anticipated that some 400 players from 38 countries will compete in the tournament which is for players born in 2000 or later.

A European Championships
Unquestionably, the tournament has become accepted as the European Championships for players in the Under 11 and Under 12 ageb group categories.

Meeting Point for Coaches
Furthermore, it is also a meeting point for coaches; it is a chance to exchange ideas and to evaluate the success of policies being implemented nationally.

It is a melting pot with the future in mind.

Excellent Co-operation
Now well established, the tournament has gained a worthy reputation thanks the co-operation of all concerned.

The city of Schiltigheim, the Urban Community of Strasbourg, the General Council of Bas Rhin and the Regional Council of Alsace have all combined to produce a successful product.

Perfect End
It is for the ITTF World Hopes Team a perfect end to two weeks of intense activity.

Members of the ITTF World Hopes Team who will be competing in Schiltigheim
Photo courtesy of Zita Pidl