by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Led by Egypt’s Mohamed Gharib; a total of 30 students, 23 men and seven women from throughout Morocco, attended.

A most impressive attendance and there was a most impressive guest list. Notably present at the Opening Ceremony was Dr. Alaa Meshref, ITTF Executive Vice President and President of the Egyptian Table Tennis Federation.

He was in attendance alongside Khalid El-Salhy, President of the African Table Tennis Federation; Kassy Abdel Nour, President of the North African Region and Monquid El Hajji, President of the Royal Moroccan Table Tennis Federation.

Also on duty was Michael Brown, ITTF and Africa-Oceania Development Co-ordinator, he was instrumental in the organisation of matters.

“I am happy that the different regions of Morocco participated; especially coaches and teachers from the Sahara region. It will help create new clubs for table tennis in these areas.” Monquid El Hajji

Undoubtedly a successful course, both Dr. Alaa Meshref and Khalid El-Salhy praised the efforts of the Royal Moroccan Table Tennis Federation. In 2013, Rabat was the host city for the World Junior Championships; last year Agadir was the home for the 2017 ITTF African Championships.

“My thanks go to the Royal Moroccan Table Tennis Federation for hosting important international tournaments; especially at the last minute, when other countries backed out. Also, my thanks to all the officials who enabled visas to be acquired so players, coaches and officials from different countries could gain access to Morocco.” Khalid El Salhy

Undoubtedly, a very successful course and there was more than one reason to rejoice; during the course Mohamed Gharib celebrated his birthday.