The Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) is currently engaged in discussions to have the sport secure its own home.
This was revealed by GTTA President, Godfrey Munroe on Saturday during a press conference at the Guyana Olympic Association’s headquarters, Liliendaal.
According to Munroe, a facility could be “on the horizon. We’ve had engagements with the Government of China through its embassy here. They have made a commitment to fund a facility for us once the acquisition of land is made available.”
The GTTA head explained that the commitment from China was indicated to Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., and another meeting is expected.
“This was conveyed to Minister Ramson. I could indicate to you there was a preliminary meeting where that was confirmed with Charge d’affaires Chen Xilai. We are currently in the process of finalising the details for the architectural design and approximate or estimated cost for that and then there is to be a following meeting with Minister Ramson and the Embassy of China,” he stated.
Munroe added, “The hope is to have that happen the soonest, in another two weeks, and hopefully that bares fruit. I know Minister Ramson pledged he would like to give us the land in the Non-Pareil Racquet Centre opposite GTI and he would be willing to build the base for that facility.”
Meanwhile, GOA President, K.A. Juman-Yassin cautioned that there should be a long-term vision for the progression of the sport, given the many benefits the country is set to see from the facility.
“I could see the impetus with Minister Ramson and the new government in sports. I can see that. I compliment them and I look forward for them to continue and I really hope that table tennis will have a home,” Yassin added while continuing, “I want to caution don’t try to say you will get a little piece of land and say you are going to put up a building there, think about the long term…if it’s going to be just a small building, good short term, but we need to think in the long term if Guyana is going to host competitions.”
Munroe indicated Guyana is desperately in need of infrastructure of this nature and could be a hub for the sport in the English speaking part of his region.
He said, “It’s critical because if we are able to acquire that, in addition to all the other things previously mentioned, there is no other high-yield center in the English-speaking region and if Guyana is able to tap into that it means ITTF’s full support as a hotspot for equipment, we could host tournaments, uni circuit events and so on. So revenue generation, exposure for athletes, experts coming to Guyana, more training for our athletes, structured tournaments happening, it’s that critical.”
The absence of this facility, the GTTA head contended, “It truly inhibits the acceleration of the sport and I’ll tell you all the things it affects. It affects our ability to host tournaments because you know we all share the Sports Hall so scheduling of your tournaments [and] practice sessions, it means your players can’t play at the required hours in preparation for games because a lot of people are working, going to school [and] if you don’t have a venue that is flexible in terms of the time schedule it doesn’t allow that.”
