by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Supported by the Foundation for Global Sports Development and organised under the auspices of the ITTF Development Programme, a total of 30 students, of whom four were female, attended; principally from the city but also some members travelled from the surrounding area.

Each day for the five day course was organised in two three hour sessions.

Notably six participants had already passed the ITTF Level One course in 2007 or 2011 but wanted to participate in what was a refresher course. Togo’s Kaka Lawson had been the expert in 2007, in 2011 it was Switzerland’s George Silberschmidt.

All contributed to an excellent atmosphere with seven members meeting the ITTF/PTT Level One requirements.

Immediately following the conclusion of the course, the training camp, which members of the national team attended, commenced.

Notably, Ping Sans Frontières for whom Sarah Hanffou is the President, with support from the International Table Tennis Federation presented bat rubber and sports clothing to the Burundian Table tennis Federation.

In addition, Sarah Hanffou had the opportunity to visit a new project launched in the Saint Kizito Insitute, an organisation for young disabled people.

“The Saint Kizito Institute deals with many problems related to physical handicaps. It also has a primary school and a department of physical rehabilitation. It was created in 1965, with a capacity of 157 young persons. The centre currently accommodates 236 pupils including 196 residents with disabilities”, Sarah Hanffou.

A handcrafted table will be given to the Institute and the Burundi Table Tennis Federation will organise training sessions for the children.