By Royston Alkins
President of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA), Godfrey Munroe is confident of a good showing by Guyana at the upcoming Caribbean Cadet and Junior Table Tennis Championships set for April 13th – 19th, at the Cliff Anderson Sport Hall.
Munroe, in an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sports at his 68 Brickdam, Ministry of Education office, touched on the significance of championships.
“The Caribbean Championships are a key event on the Calendar of Events of the GTTA since it allows us to lobby for support from the International Federation as a country that is able to host international events. “Secondly, it allows us, because we are hosting, the opportunity to field two teams in each category so it basically gives us the opportunity to expose 32 of our young 15 years and 18 years and younger players and I think it holds well for the long-term development of our elite athletes and the sport in general because you know exposure is quite critical to their development.”
He also spoke of the tourism aspect of the championships.
“It is also a structured way to bring tourism to our country. You see, we need to understand that if we invest in Sports Tourism, it can be really be beneficial to our country.”
Munroe, who has been in charge of the administration of table tennis in Guyana since 2013 added: “The tournament will also be used as a Caribbean qualifier for the Pan-American Youth Championships scheduled for July/August in Argentina. This is significant because the Pan-Am games are one of the key higher level games that all of the countries try to participate in and it gives goes measure where your country stands.”
He elaborated by stating that the tournament, for the first time, will be used to give ranking to the junior players which will help to establish Guyana’s youth players in the international domain since rankings are critical for participation in international events.
Munroe acknowledged that the tournament will help to showcase Guyana’s culture and aid in helping the youngsters to dwell and exchange camaraderie in addition to playing at home while showcasing their skills.
He did, however, highlight the fact that sponsorship for the championship is proving to be a bit of a worry.
“I’m must comment that it’s been quite tough because the corporate support has been limited in some measure but we are still working to ensure that we have a successful hosting. One of the key things, however, is that we have quite a number of teams who have confirmed for this tournament, we have over eight countries, which augurs well for a good competitive championship.”
The president, however, expressed optimism of successfully hosting the championship,
“We are still working on fulfilling some of the key components to ensure that the tournament is successfully hosted.”
According to Munroe, the Guyana Olympic Association, the National Sports Commission and the Government of Guyana have committed to supporting the hosting of the championship.
Munroe when commenting on the calibre of players who will represent Guyana said: “We’ve had a tradition of doing well in these kinds of engagements and for that reason, we want to have a player centred event and not focus too much on the fanfare,” Munroe said while adding that the event will be streamed live.
Guyana is expected to field a number of talented youngsters who will look to serve their way to championship glory while also aiming to qualify for the Pan-American games. The likes of Miguel Wong, Elishaba Johnson and Kyle Edghill, the fast improving Nicholas Romain, will lead Guyana’s challenge in the 18 years and under boys’ division while Tyriq Saunders, Terrence Rausche, Yeudister Persaud, Kaysan Ninvalle, Brandon Jaikarran, Navindra Persaud, Jeremey Singh, Isaiah Layne, Niron Bissu, Khalil Ninvalle, Jonathan Van Lange, among others should form the team who will look to protect the home turf against their counterparts from the other Caribbean territories in the 15 years and under categories.
Girl power will come from Priscilla Greaves who will lead Guyana’s challenge in the girls 18 years and under division. She will form alliance with young Neveah Clarkston, Salenas Jackman, Jamaali Homer, Abigale Martin, Onieka Philips, Davona Bess, Thuraia Thomas, Kristie Lopes among others to repel the efforts of the visitors will bring Guyana honours.
So far, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Jamaica St Vincent, Suriname and French Guiana confirmed participation for the 2017 Caribbean Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championships. Scheduled for the 14th-19th of April 2017 Easter Weekend at the Cliff Anderson Sports hall Homestretch Avenue Georgetown Guyana.
Last year, Guyana’s junior boys’ team secured a silver medal in a three-way tie between host and winners the Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago at the Caribbean 18 years and under championships in the Dominican Republic.
