by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF Member Relations Press Officer

The self-help project was initiated by senior players who have benefited from representing Ghana in major international tournaments.

They were aiming to raise US$800.00 for the tournament but beat all expectations; they generated over US$1,000.00.

Also, the tournament was supported by Ping Sans Frontières, an organisation whose goal is to use table tennis as an educational tool worldwide. They provided sponsorship in a form of table tennis rackets, rubbers, and training shirts.

Former Ghana national team player Courage Nenevi, who is currently based in Westchester New York, also provided table tennis rubbers and training shirts to help augment the package for the players.

There were three categories, namely under 11, under 15 and under 19 for both men and women.

Finals

Under 19 Boys’ Singles: Ibrahim Gado v James Marfo 11-6, 11-13, 8-11, 12-10, 11-8

Under 19 Girls’ Singles: Sandra Arhin v Anastacia Dosu 11-2 11-6, 11-9

Under 15 Boys’ Singles: Daniel Ofori Asare v Isaiah Borteye 11-9, 11-13, 11-8, 11-9

Under 15 Girls’ Singles: Blessing Labanti v Emerald Bortey 7-11 11-6 11-7 11-9

Under 13 Boys’ Singles: Jerry Tordzro v Michael Mensah 9-11 11-8 11-6 11-4

Under 13 Girls’ Singles: Juanita Borteye v Naomi Arhin 11-8, 11-3, 8-11, 11-9

The tournament was the idea of Lord Kinful. He gained major support from one of Ghana’s most respected umpires Francis Frimpong as well as Ishmael Armah, Charles Techie-Menson, and Owusu Ansah.

Notably, the organisers also acknowledged the immense support from Ghana Table Tennis Association led by its President, Mawuko Afadzinu.