ITTF NEWS

ITTF Front Main Page Back

June Ranking >> now available

To advertise here, please send email to cv@tmsin.com

Dreams Turning to Reality, Hard Work Animates Madagascar

By: Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Korine Raonindriaka (left) with Lantomanana Amdriamahery (right) Photo By: Courtesy of Georg Silberschmidt

04/30/2012

Situated in the Indian Ocean and famous in the recent years because it is where Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippopotamus were shipwrecked, Madagascar, the title for a series of Dreamworks computer-animated comedy films, is currently the focal point for action of a different nature.

Under the direction of Switzerland’s Georg Silberschmidt, ITTF/PTT Level One and ITTF Level Two Coach Education Courses are being held.

Organised by the ITTF Development Programme in conjunction with Olympic Solidarity, proceedings began on Tuesday 24th April and will conclude on Friday 4th May 2012.

Home for the course is Antananarivo, the capital city.

Political and Economic Problems
“Madagascar has been struggling since 2009 for political and economic reasons but table tennis is on the move”, enthused Georg Silberschmidt. “Thanks to the initiative of the Federation’s President, Harley Ambinitsoarivelo, the Olympic solidarity course was allocated to Madagascar; it is the first Olympic Solidarity course in Africa for 2012.”

Equipment Assistance
Also, the Madagascar Table Tennis Federation (La Fédération Malagache de Tennis de Table) is set to receive much needed assistance; an equipment package from the Korean manufacturer, Xiom, will arrive in the near future.

Once again, as in 2011, Xiom is at the forefront of promoting the development of table tennis.

Furthermore, more assistance is forthcoming.

Help from Germany
“The Ecole Malgache de Tennis de Table will receive an equipment package, sponsored by the German Table Tennis Association”, explained Georg Silberschmidt. ”It is a result of the efforts made to offer table tennis for disadvantaged children in the capital.”

left Learning control at the Malagach School and right the Para Table Tennis aspect
Photos courtesy of Georg Silberschmidt

Venue
Equipment but you need somewhere to put that equipment, an answer has been found.

“Also, they have received the use of a huge hall from the Director of the Chamber of Commerce, Lantomanana Amdriamahery, who is himself a passionate table tennis player; from now on, this hall is a permanent centre for table tennis and can be used by schools as well as the national federation.”

Two Causes for Celebration
A full itinerary, the Level One part of the course concluded on Saturday 28th April; all 24 students passed the examination and now must complete 30 hours of coaching in order to gain their qualifications.

Passing the examination was a cause for celebration and there was a further cause for joy on Saturday evening, the equipment package from Germany arrived and will most certainly be put to good use.

Korine Raonindriaka, Director of the School, with a group of enthusiastic youingsters
Photo courtesy of Georg Silberschmidt

High Numbers
“Since the opening of the Centre in 2011, table tennis has become very popular; sometimes, there some 70 youngsters attend training!” smiled Georg Silberschmidt. “Unfortunately, up to now, they had only two tables in the huge hall that can easily house 30 tables.”

However, that is now history as a result of the assistance from Germany and Xiom.

Full of Smiles
“From today onwards, this will change, the joy of the children could be seen in the smiles and their eyes”, continued Georg Silberschmidt. “Five students from the school took part in the Level One course and have now plenty of ideas and knowledge to offer the youngsters in training sessions.”

Plenty of ideas, an increase of knowledge thanks to the efforts of Georg Silberschmidt who was delighted with the response he experienced.

Level One Coaches with children at the Training Centre in Madagascar
Photo courtesy of Georg Silberschmidt

Outstanding Attitude
“The course was a huge success and broke several records”, he enthused. “Never have the participants been so disciplined and punctual and never has a course taken place in such a huge hall.”

Furthermore there was another record.

Family Atmosphere
“Never before has lunch been served on table cloths which covered table tennis tables”, added Georg Silberschmidt. “It was such a nice touch, like at a family party, all the participants sat around the two tables, enjoying a three course meal every day!”

Every table is a table for lunch, a family atmosphere created in Antananarivo
Photo courtesy of Georg Silberschmidt

Level Two Course
The Level One Course over, attention turns to the Level Two Course.

“For the Level Two course, 11 qualified participants, including the national champion, Erick Randrianantoandro, world ranked no. 1319, are all eager to learn how they can improve their game”, continued Georg Silberschmidt. “Mostly what is needed is to develop the youngsters.”

Certainly, there is an appetite to learn.

Contrary to Country’s Woes
“Indeed, contrary to the situation in the country, table tennis is on the move”, concluded Georg Silberschmidt. “Thanks to two equipment packages and the newly qualified coaches, many children have a regular activity; one they will enjoy for sure!”

One they will enjoy and one that gives an education; the discipline of sport is an invaluable teacher.

Participants on the Level Two Course which started on Sunday 29th April 2012
Photo courtesy of Georg Silberschmidt