by Simon Daish

Norby Ocampo has fond memories of the Oceania Para Championships, and last year at the 2016 competition the Guam athlete put in a strong performance to claim five medals.

Moving into the 2017 Championships Norby Ocampo insists in a report on the ITTF Oceania website that while he would be delighted to take home some silverware he is happy just to be competing at the event set to be hosted in Suva, Fiji.

“I was able to practice twice this week at the gym. I manage to train twice in the morning before going to work and after work at home I practice my service. As far as winning in my class, I would love to. If not, I will make sure to give my best. It will be very competitive. But being a part of this event is more than enough to be happy, because I know I will learn new things again which I can share to our island”, Norby Ocampo.

Despite his successful campaign at the 2016 Oceania Para Championships, Ocampo was unfortunately unable to represent his nation at the 2016 Paralympic Games due to the fact that Guam hasn’t as of yet founded a National Paralympic Committee.

However, Ocampo remains optimistic about the future and is hoping to inspire more people with disabilities from Guam to take up the sport moving forwards.

“Since I started going to this international tournament, I have been able to share everything I’ve seen and learnt to other players. The goal if possible is to have more Guam players at the next ITTF Oceania Championships”, Norby Ocampo.

The 2017 ITTF Oceania Para Championships will take place in Suva, Fiji between Thursday 13th and Sunday 16th April.