ITTF Asia Para Table Tennis Training Camp
From 16 to 20 July, Thailand hosted the ITTF Asia Para Table Tennis Training Camp in conjunction with the ITTF Fa40 Thailand Para Open. This event brought together 16 Para table tennis players (8 male and 8 female) from seven Member Associations (MAs) across Asia, including Indonesia, India, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Hong Kong(,China).
Under the expert guidance of head coach Alessandro Arcigli from Italy, the camp provided a significant opportunity for these athletes to hone their skills and strategies in preparation for Paris 2024. Additionally, the camp offered a platform for seven coaches from the participating Member Associations to exchange knowledge and gain valuable insights into high-performance coaching at the international level.
The training camp included traditional training sessions, multiball sessions, and matches, with two daily 3-hour sessions divided into two 75-minute blocks, preceded by a 15-minute warm-up.
“The Training Camp is a great opportunity for all participants to meet players from different countries and to train in a different way than usual. All coaches are very positive to ensure that the players can learn from their great experience in Paralympic table tennis. We are in the gym for over six hours a day and have the opportunity to talk to the players and between coaches, to get feedback that allows the ITTF to plan the next development projects of Para table tennis. Camps like the one in Thailand offer all athletes precious moments of unity and sharing, and it would be important that these events increase in number throughout the year, possibly accompanied by opportunities for competitive comparison,” said Alessandro Arcigli (ITA), PTT Asia Training Camp Head Coach.
International Para Table Tennis Training Camp, Laško, Slovenia
Building on these efforts, another major training camp took place in Laško, Slovenia, from 23 to 30 July. This camp featured 60 athletes from 13 countries, all focused on their Paralympic dream. Six athletes (three male and three female) and three coaches from Egypt, South Africa, and New Zealand participated in this exceptional opportunity.
A unique aspect of this camp was the inclusion of 12 Olympic sparring partners from five countries, who provided essential support during the training sessions. This collaboration not only enhanced the quality of the training but also fostered a spirit of solidarity among the athletes as they prepared for the challenges of the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
“It was an awesome experience for me as a coach to see the high standards of all the players at the training camp. Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to experience this camp,” said Dawne Fortuin (RSA), Coach.
The Para Table Tennis Training Camps in Thailand and Slovenia were partially supported by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) through the 2024 STT & TC Grant.
The ITTF’s dedication to Para table tennis does not end with the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. In fact, the federation is committed to continuing its support well beyond the Games, with numerous initiatives planned to further develop the sport and empower athletes across the globe.
National Training Camps Support in Oceania
The ITTF’s support extends beyond continental borders, reaching Oceania, where two Member Associations, New Zealand and Tonga, are set to receive backing for organising national Para table tennis training camps.
New Zealand’s national Para table tennis training camp, scheduled from 28 September to 2 October, is expected to draw 21 athletes. This camp will play a key role in the nation’s preparations for the development of their PTT athletes and coaches, offering athletes targeted training in a high-performance environment.
Meanwhile, Tonga is planning its first-ever national Para table tennis championships, in conjunction with a national PTT Training Camp set to take place from 3rd to 8th November. This event is expected to attract 20 athletes, marking a significant milestone for the sport in Tonga and providing a new avenue for Para table tennis development in the region.
Para Table Tennis U-23 European Challenge 2024
GV Hennebont Tennis de Table, in collaboration with the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU), is also preparing to host the inaugural Para Table Tennis U-23 European Challenge 2024. Set to take place from 21sto 25 October at the Hennebont Ping Center in France, this groundbreaking event will spotlight the incredible talents of young Para-athletes from across Europe, with a focus on promoting inclusivity and competitive spirit.
Para Table Tennis Continental Training Camp, the Americas
Following the conclusion of the Paralympic Games, the ITTF is set to organise a Para Table Tennis Training Camp in the Americas. This initiative aims to build on the momentum of the Paralympics by providing athletes with enhanced training opportunities, fostering skill development, and promoting the growth of Para table tennis in the region.
ITTF Para Table Tennis Athlete Grants
In addition to organising training camps, the ITTF has also provided direct support to athletes through the ITTF Para Table Tennis Athlete Grants. This year, 18 athletes from 14 Member Associations across three continents (Africa, Asia, and the Americas) have received grants to attend ITTF-sanctioned international events or training camps. These grants are instrumental in ensuring that athletes have access to high-quality training and competitive opportunities as they prepare for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Notably, six of these grant recipients have already secured their spots for Paris.
“The support of the ITTF helped me in my preparation and training for the Paralympic Games, and my dream is to win a medal for my country at the Games,” said Sayed Yousef (EGY), PTT grant holder and participant in the Laško PTT Training Camp.
The ITTF’s comprehensive Para table tennis activities in 2024 underscore its commitment to providing athletes with the resources and opportunities they need to excel on the world stage. Through training camps and grants supporting athletes from across the globe, the ITTF is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of Para table tennis.
