by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Proceedings commenced on Saturday 25th March and concluded on Saturday 29th March; overall 18 students attended; 15 men and three women. A total of seven table tennis tables were available in premises that proved ideal.

Notably, the expert on duty was the host nation’s Lincon Yasuda, a coach who for many years has sat quietly and thoughtfully courtside, guiding the efforts most successfully of Brazilian players.

“The Level One course in Joinville has been one of the best that I have ever taken. All the coaches were really focused and interested. Also the coaches had already knowledge and experience teaching children. It helped a lot to move beyond the basic contents, we were able to have higher level discussions.” Lincon Yasuda

Historically in Brazil, very much the centre of table tennis has been São Paulo; it is the city which will host the forthcoming ITTF Challenge Seamaster Open which starts with the qualification stage on Wednesday 3rd May. However, next in line and making rapid progress is the state of Santa Catarina; each year talented young players are emerging from the area.

“For parts of the course, children came from a local public school, all of them making their first steps in table tennis. It was a unique opportunity for the coaches to learn in real situations. My congratulations to all participants; my special thanks to the Joinville Association and to the Santa Catarina Federation for hosting this course.” Lincon Yasuda

A further ITTF/PTT Level One Course in Brazil, again conducted by Lincon Yasuda is planned for Saturday 20th to Wednesday 24th May.