by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager
A total of 60 guests, mostly women attended the workshop. Organised by Luisana Perez; notable names from Venezuelan sport addressed the gathering. Katiuska Chirinos, Marisol Useche, Lisaura Crespo, Fabiola Ramos and Miguel Gonzalez were all present..
“The workshop provided the opportunity to learn about the sporting experiences of the speakers. They described how table tennis marked their lives in a positive way, providing them with tools to overcome obstacles, not only in their careers as athletes but in those periods of life when they had to fight against cancer or lost a loved one.” Luisana Perez
A Women’s Commission was the outcome, a move Felix Ducharne, President of the Venezuelan Table Tennis Federation applauded.
“We are very happy with this initiative. Women have played a fundamental role in the history of Venezuelan table tennis; through the Women’s Commission we are promoting new spaces for participation.” Felix Ducharne
The Commission will be led by Monica Davila who like Felix Ducharne was mosr positive.
“It is very important to consolidate a team that works in the promotion and development of training activities in various areas: attracting athletes, training coaches, referees and sports leaders. It will be one of the objectives of the Commission.” Monica Davila.
A successful first day, on the second day in the Oswaldo Papelon Borges Gymnasium in Caracas, the “International Women’s Day Cup”, a doubles tournament was staged.
Based on the slogan “Compete, Enjoy and Share”, representatives from the states of Aragua, Carabobo, Nueva Esparta and Capital District participated.
Overall a most successful initiative was realised; a major stepping stone in promoting sport and women setting the example.