Play in full flow at the Andalucia 2022 World Para Championships in Granada, on the second day of action, Monday 7th November, watching proceedings unfold with an intense eye, was Gilles de la Bourdonnaye, the Sport Manager for the table tennis events at the Paris 2024 Games.
The visit underlines the close co-operation that has been established over the years between the International Table Tennis Federation and the Paris 2024 Organising Committee; both are of one voice.
“We have enjoyed excellent co-operation with the ITTF for a long time; they have been most supportive, very open. It has been just perfect, good feedback and good tips. We are all working closely together, we are all in the same boat.” Gilles de la Bourdonnaye
There is a common view that Andalucia has taken Para table tennis to a new level, a fact with which Gilles de la Bourdonnaye concurred.
“I’ve spoken to players from many countries, all are delighted with Andalucia, everything is running smoothy, accessibility is good, the sport presentation is very good; for me there is a new norm. It is important to be here as this is the last World Para Championships before Paris 2024.”
Most certainly in Granada there is more than food for thought as Paris 2024 looms ever closer.
“My two main takeaways so far are about racket control and players’ lounge. These are two important parts of the athletes journey, and both needs to be comfortable and stress-free.
Undoubtedly, Gilles de la Bourdonnaye is well aware what is needed and of the value of the World Para Championships and Paralympic Games.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will take place 28 August to 8 September. Table tennis competitions will be hosted in South Paris Arena #4, an exhibition and convention centre which will be a major hub for the Paris 2024 Games. The session schedule is available here.
