by Romina Concha Sepulveda, ITTF Foundation Consultant

Two coaches and seven young players from the Za’atari Refugee Camp, located in the Jordan border with Syria, were the welcome visitors; their attendance being made possible thanks to the support of Peace and Sport and Blumont, an organisation that supports development programmes worldwide.

Coaches Molham Alsade and Abdulrahman Jado had the opportunity to talk to umpires and the competition manager in order to learn about the organization of a high level tournament. Most importantly, they also had the chance to play in the competition area.

All enjoyed their visit, especially watching matches involving players from China and India.

The welcome guests with members of the Chinese National Team (Photo: courtesy of Sarah Hanffou)

Present was Sarah Hanffou, ITTF Foundation Ambassador and Project Co-ordinator. She held meetings with coaches from the Za’atari Camp and officials of the Jordan Table Tennis Federation. Additionally, she was able to evaluate the ITTF Nittaku Dream Building with Refugees project. She was most pleased with the progress made to date.

“The coaches are doing great work, now more than 100 children are playing in the camp. One of my goals is to improve their skills: coaching, organising tournaments and umpiring.” Sarah Hanffou

Sarah Hanffou thanked the Jordan Table Tennis Federation for their support, anticipating that their relationship will be strengthened in the coming months. In addition she thanked Hanadi Tuffaha, former Jordanian champion and current member of Federation’s Board. She had co-ordinated the meetings, meals and all activities during the visit to Amman.

Thumbs up from members of the Za’atari Refugee Camp alongside officials at the Jordan Junior and Cadet Open (Photo: courtesy of Sarah Hanffou)