by Ian Marshall, Editor

Self-funded but organised under the auspices of ITTF High Performance and Development, a total of 16 coaches attended, all male travelling from Bahia, Amazonas and Amapa.

A most suitable venue was provided; proceedings being well organised in a region proud of its heritage and culture; the local cuisine proving very much to the satisfaction and delight of Lincon Yasuda.

Lincon Yasuda conducts a theory session (Photo: courtesy of Lincon Yasuda)

Traditionally, São Paulo is the focal point for table tennis in Brazil, many of the country’s leading players being descendants of Japanese immigration to the area over one hundred years ago, the notable modern day exceptions being Hugo Calderano and Thiago Monteiro; however, in the State of Para of which Belem is the capital and largest city, the sport is growing.

Notably in that region of the country they have a role model, Ligia Silva hails from the Amazonas region.

A training session in progress (Photo: courtesy of Lincon Yasuda)

The person principally responsible for the progress is David Domingues, he is the President of the Para Table Tennis Federation; the course conducted by Lincon Yasuda providing major support to the efforts being made locally.

“I would like to say a special thanks to the Para Table Tennis Federation; especially to Paroquia São Francisco de Assis, the local organiser, who administered matters in a perfect manner.” Lincon Yasuda

A practical session to appreciate problems faced by Para athletes (Photo: courtesy of Lincon Yasuda)

A successful conclusion in Belem and for Lincon Yasuda yet another successful conclusion; since early 2017 he has conducted similar courses in Joinville in the state of Santa Caterina, Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia and Belo Horizonte in Minais Gerais, in addition to Campo Grande in Mato Grosso do Sul and in Porto Alegre, the capital city of Rio Grande do Sul.

No doubt the travels will continue.

Course members in Belem with (centre back row) Lincon Yasuda (Photo: courtesy of Lincon Yasuda)