– Colin France
By Tiadi Blair
Team Manager Colin France believes the Guyana contingent that took part in this year’s 51st Annual Caribbean Table Tennis Championships did exceptionally well despite challenges they faced in French Guiana.
France lauded the high level of team spirit that was exhibited by the players.
“We had our little squabbles and I had my own down to earth way of handling situations…all in all it worked well for us and we came out, you should say victorious and I hope we do better next time.” At a press conference yesterday the Guyana table tennis team gathered at Olympic House to discuss and analyze their performance at this year’s 51st Annual Caribbean Table Tennis Championships. Much emphasis was placed on the team’s enthusiasm while all agreed that this kept the team together, encouraging players on an individual level. Praise was directed towards Michelle John and Paul David who had flown in a few days before the tournament to practice with team members.
The elated team all had something to say about each other’s performance. Trenace Lowe thanked John for her appearance at the championships although she toppled her in the under-21 all Guyanese final.
“I want to thank Michelle for coming back down and playing with me in the team because Jody Ann wasn’t around and we had a good final in the under-21 too. She won in the quarter-final (Women’s singles) but I had my revenge back in the final.”
Idi Lewis and David gained a silver medal in the men’s doubles. Prior to the championships, Lewis and David spoke of their dependence on each other for a much-needed team win.
Meanwhile, it was considered that the results could have been better had they trained for a longer period before the big game. An important point was made by tennis ace Christopher Franklin who said he hoped for more table tennis competitions within the year, particularly prior to such major competitions. “Given the circumstances of what sport is going through in Guyana, I personally think sport is being treated as a recreational activity instead of a professional job so to speak but all in all it was a good tournament. And I hope in the future we can get some players to go on stints or to get out there to play more tennis – that is the key because being in competition is the key.” Financially the team was able to manage since French Guiana was in close range and they were able to keep the cost at a minimal level. The 51st Annual Caribbean Table Tennis Championships saw the Guyanese team bringing home the most medals in recent years. In total the team brought back two gold medals, six silver medals and four bronze medals.
