A development programme for female table tennis players locally, selected by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), among several globally submitted projects, is progressing well.
According to a release from the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA), its programme `Pink Pongster’ is on the move.
The programme was launched last year based on the GTTA’s project proposal for the 2021 Edition of `My Gender. My Strength.’
“The implementation has been progressing over the last few weeks with Coach Xenophen Goliath working at the Beterverwagting Primary school with students from the BV Community where over 15 students are engaged,” stated the GTTA release.
The release added that Coach Shavin Green is working at the Mackenzie High School, Linden, with over 10 students while Candacy Mc Kenzie, ITTF Level One coach and Development Officer, is at the Malteenoes Sports Club and on the East Bank of Demerara with over 35 students.
National Coach Linden Johnson is working with the regional schools.
“Through a series of sessions, the girls are learning all the basics necessary to enjoy a great game of table tennis, keeping active, socializing and developing hand/eye coordination, education sessions,” stated the release.
According to the GTTA, the players are also involved in motivational engagement by national players and key figures such as Olympian Chelsea Edghill.
They are also developing core skills and engaging in friendly competitive and fun activities.
“The plan is to continue this key initiative as over the next few months’ there will be orientation sessions utilizing the services of our ITTF trained coaches in regions to coach our students in the fundamental aspects of the games for a minimum of nine hours weekly over the period of three months this year observing all COVID-19 protocols,” the release added.
“The `Pink Pongster’ will also receive their very own bag, holding everything they need to get started – including their very own Guyana TT Pink Pongsters Kidz T-shirt, bat, balls, and activity book/sticker album, added the GTTA’s release.
“Among the objectives of ITTF “My Gender. My Strength” Programme, is increasing female participation in table tennis, on and off the court and strengthening the position of women and girls from players to leaders in our sport,” the release stated.
“We would like to also raise awareness of the importance of gender balance in the MA (Member Association) sports structures therefore, support MAs in developing women’s table tennis locally.
“We hope the initiative will enhance long-term benefits, leave behind the legacy and make a positive impact on women’s table tennis development in Guyana,” said the ITTF’s Katarzyna Kubas Head of Development.
According to the GTTA, the programme provides a unique opportunity for it to partner with key stakeholders in establishing a programme that is specifically geared and targeted towards the establishment of a national talent Identification programme catering for girls actively participating in the sport.
Guyana, the GTTA release pointed out, has enjoyed a fair measure of success at the regional and international level with female players, the likes of Barbara Jekir, Carol and Hodiah Davidson, Francine Abrams, Bertnell Richards, Chelsea Edghill, Trenace Lowe, Natalie Cummings, Jody Ann Blake and Michelle John among many others, who have done well for Guyana.
