by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Under the guidance of Venezuela’s Luisana Perez, an intensive itinerary was the order of proceedings.

Five days were allocated to training, two three hour sessions per day; each day commencing at 9.00am and concluding at 6.30pm. Additionally, coaches attended workshops and seminars.

In common with all other such initiatives, a hard fought Challenge tournament brought the week to a conclusion.

“All the activities were framed within the objectives of the Hopes Programme: encourage national associations to run Talent Identification Programmes and also to promote and work with young talented players for future success and growth. The role of ITTF Education and Training is to provide expert guidance, incentives and opportunities while following up with the education of coaches.” Luisana Perez

Without exception all those present responded to the efforts of Luisana Perez; a high technical level was witnessed, a factor that delighted the visiting Venezuelan.

“In my opinion the Hopes Programme is an excellent programme because it helps to improve the level of the players. They train a lot and for many it is their first international experience. As a coach I have learned a new way of evaluating to identify talent. The knowledge gained is very valuable.” Hazare Gopaul, coach Trinidad and Tobago.

Furthermore, on the concluding day of action, the will to win was most evident; the Dominican Republic’s Eduardo Darley and Jamaica’s Liana Campbell emerged as the respective winners of the Boys’ Singles and Girls’ Singles events. Both like Eduardo Darley from the Dominican Republic, Ramon Vila and Shary Muñoz finished in corresponding second places.

“I liked the most about camp was to implement everything in a fun way and not as normal training. I learned a lot. I am delighted by my result in my first international competition and very excited to win.” Liana Campbell

Certainly the response and the standard of play augurs well for the future of table tennis in the region; just as in any other part of the world there is talent. The quest is to unearth and develop that talent.

“I really liked the camp because when we were training we learned to do in training what we had to do in the tournament. Example: stretch well, warm up well, control the ball; think before serving. In the tournament I did things I did not do before and I am very happy to be able to represent my country and classify for the Continental Hopes Week and Challenge.” Shary Muñoz

Matters concluded with Godfey Lothian, the President of the Jamaica Table Tennis Association presenting the certificates whilst both thanking and congratulating all concerned.

“It was a great opportunity to have the expert Luisana Perez from Venezuela in Jamaica. She has experience and intellectual knowledge of table tennis. Thanks to her, to all the coaches. I congratulate the children for coming to Jamaica to give their best.” Godfrey Lothian

A delighted Godfrey Lothian; the reaction from Luisana Perez was very much the same; she had been well received, there had been a high level of co-operation and all had responded to her efforts.

“The Under 11 category is the first step on the road to high performance. It is not easy for children to make a commitment. Everyone wants to win; there are tears. They have much to learn, both technically and emotionally. Our sport is considered as the most complex to play at high level. Even so, these players have shown that they have a great future. They are small giants. At the end always there is a champion, in this camp all were winners.

“I came to Jamaica with high expectations and I returned with all the goals fulfilled. There are very valuable people in the table tennis of Jamaica. I must thank those who supported all the activities.” Luisana Perez

Challenge Tournament- Final Positions:

Boys: 1. Eduardo Darley (Dominican Republic) 2. Ramon Vila (Dominican Republic) 3. Krystian Sahadeo (Guyana) 4. Azizi Johnson (Jamaica) 5. Jhonatan Van Lange (Guyana) 6. Matthew Fung (Jamaica 7. Sachiun Ramsumair (Trinidad and Tobago) 8. Sameer Ali (Trinidad and Tobago)

Girls: 1. Liana Campbell (Jamaica) 2. Shary Muñoz (Dominican Republic) 3. Tsenaye Lewis (Jamaica)

Qualifiers for Continental Hopes Week and Challenge

Boys: 1. Eduardo Darley (Dominican Republic) 2. Krystian Sahadeo (Guyana)

Girls: 1. Liana Campbell (Jamaica) 2. Shary Muñoz (Dominican Republic)

Caribbean Under 11 and Under 13 Championships:

Competition to end the day and immediately competition follows; the Caribbean Under 11 and Under 13 Championships commences on Monday 21st August.

Caribbean Under 11 and Under 13 Championships: Participating Associations (Monday 21st August)

Caribbean Under 11 and Under 13 Championships: Team Events – List of Players (Monday 21st August)

Caribbean Under 11 and Under 13 Championships: Under 11 Boys’ Team Event (Monday 21st August)

Caribbean Under 11 and Under 13 Championships: Under 13 Boys’ Team Event (Monday 21st August)

Caribbean Under 11 and Under 13 Championships: Under 11 Girls’ Team Event (Monday 21st August)

Caribbean Under 11 and Under 13 Championships: Under 11 Girls’ Team Event (Monday 21st August)