Local table tennis players will begin trading serves, loops and smashes today when the Dennis Patterson Memorial League serves off at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
The tournament has been organized by the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) and will feature the top players, schools, clubs, business entities, communities and government agencies every weekend and on some weekdays until its conclusion on November 18.
Sponsoring the tournament is Sterling Products Limited and its Marketing Manager, Ramsey Ali, at the launching of the tournament, said while his company was pleased to be involved in the league; the event goes beyond him personally.
“I practically grew up in the house of Dennis Patterson and some of his values have shaped my life so I am extremely pleased to be part of this tournament,” Ali said.
Tournament Coordinator Linden Johnson, says the event aims to foster camaraderie among players, create healthy lifestyles and spread the player base of the GTTA among other objectives.
Dennis Patterson’s son, David, in brief remarks wished the competitors well in a sport he said his father contributed much to while Mrs. Marva Patterson, widow of the late GTTA Secretary, was also on hand for the launching of the tournament.
Racquet wielders will test each other in five categories these being senior and advanced, advanced, intermediate, business entities corporations and government agencies, and semi intermediate.
Prizes in the form of trophies and medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category in addition to prizes for the Most Outstanding Male and Female, Most Improved Player, the Best Dressed Team and the Most Disciplined Team.