Manager of the Medicine Chest Jackie McDonald-Fraser has assisted the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) by providing full coverage for national table tennis player Chelsea Edghill.
McDonald-Fraser says she has always been a friend and helper to the GTTA which has worked hard over the years to keep table tennis in the spotlight.
The undisclosed amount will cover all her travel expenses for the tournament in Barbados.
Chelsea says she expects to do extremely well since this is her fourth time representing Guyana at the Caribbean Junior Table Tennis Championships. In fact the junior placed second the last time she took part in the tournament in the under-10 category.
When asked what points she needed to improve in her game her response was simply, “My backhand.”
She also thanked the donors and promised to put in a big effort while representing her country.
President of the GTTA Godfrey Munroe says the gesture made by the Medicine Chest was a timely one since there has been some difficulty obtaining sponsorship for its athletes.
He referred to Chelsea as one of the most disciplined and talented athletes table tennis has to offer, noting that tournaments like these help develop athletes from a young age.
“She represents one of our talented athletes and a lot is expected of her. Tournaments like these give the opportunity to expose talent and match skills with regional counterparts and the Medicine Chest has been a good friend of table tennis and has ensured one of the key players can attend championships.”
He elaborated on the shortfall the association has encountered in an effort to get all the athletes to Barbados.
“Parents and a few sponsors from the GTTA have made donations but we have had some shortfall and are working assiduously but more sponsors can come on board.”
Munroe is confident that medals will be won at this tournament and has entrusted coaches Colin France, Linden Johnson and team manager Deidre Edghill to guarantee the best from the Guyanese squad.
The tournament begins on August 17 and concludes on August 21 in Barbados.