by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager
A total of 11 students attended, nine from Liberia; the visitors being Yves Ndizeye from Rwanda and Nigeria’s Ajayi Samson Kolawole.
“All participants showed great deal of enthusiasm, dedication and co-operation throughout the course.” Ahmed Dawlatly
One of the participants was Larmie Freeman Junior, the Secretary-General of the Liberia National Table Tennis Association; notably he is involved in the new coaching pyramid being built by the national association.
“All the participants, including myself, improved their level of play. Moreover, we learned correct footwork as well as how to use forehand and backhand drive; push, smash, spin, serves and block plus understanding movement. We will continue with what we have learned from the international expert and promote table tennis in Liberia and the world.” Larmie Freeman Junior
A positive response from Larmie Freeman Junior, it was the same from Yves Ndizeye.
“With the comprehensive information from the advanced manual I learned about education principles, advanced techniques, high performance as well as the physiology and psychology of sport science; this knowledge will prove useful for the continuing development of table tennis in Rwanda.” Yves Ndizeye
Delighted students but arguably the most delighted of all was the Ahmed Dawlatly.
“During the training camp attached to the 2007 ITTF/PTT Level One Course, a small boy called Lasana Weh, seven years old, was rewarded with a small pin as an appreciation to his talent and hard work. It was for my utmost happiness to see Lasana, present in this training camp as the best player in Liberia! Two pins, 11 years difference! He certainly earned his second pin!” Ahmed Dawlatly.
Proceedings concluded with His Excellency, the Chinese Ambassador to Liberia receiving a delegation from the Liberia Table Tennis Association to discuss the future for table tennis in the country.
The outcome was most positive; a scholarship was awarded to Lasana Weh to attend training in China alongside his coach, as well as equipment being presented to the Liberian National Table Tennis Association.
His Excellency, the Chinese Ambassador to Liberia asked that a written request be submitted immediately for proceedings to start; grateful thanks to China.
