– Blackout forces one int’l participant out
Coaches and physical education teachers are being tutored about table tennis by International Table Tennis Federation’s (ITTF) coach Alejandro Gabaglio of Argentina.
The level One ITTF and International Paralympic Table Tennis Committee (IPTTC) course has attracted over 20 participants and is aimed at coaches working in schools and clubs, along with disabled players at a beginner and junior level.
Gabaglio, speaking to Stabroek Sport, said that this Level One clinic which deals with the basics will last for five days and participants are expected to go through theoretical as well practical aspects of the game.
She said they are also required to go through different stretching exercises to fine-tune their bodies so when they take to the tables they will be physically fit.
Additionally, Gabaglio added that the course was basically a three-phase one in keeping with the ITTF regulations.
Level One acts as a precursor for the other two stages with Level Three being the highest level of certification.
Blackout
Gabaglio arrived in the country a day late while blackouts forced a Cuban participant to abandon hopes of attending the course as constant power outages at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri caused a number of flights to be turned back.
The Cuban delegate had to give up hopes of attending the programme after her flight had to turn back twice from Guyana’s only international airport.
Coach Gabaglio’s flight too had to turn back which resulted in her arriving a day late and she was unable to be here for Saturday’s opening ceremony.
Kamaria Mc Leod of Trinidad and Tobago, who is participating in the course said that she had to take two flights to get to Guyana.
This course caters also for physically-challenged athletes and Guyana’s Gibran Hussein, who had his left arm amputated is one of the participants. Hussein has settled in nicely and reached the final of one of the drills taught by Gabaglio.
According to Gabaglio in another year’s time the Level Two phase of the coaching clinic is expected to come on stream.
