Education
Traditionally the ITTF has not focused on the “Educational” aspect of sport development. This task was mainly left to National Associations as well as to National Olympic Committees. This lack of focus on education and training of human resources is symptomatic of a general historical tradition of the ITTF. As President of the ITTF, I quickly realised that the ITTF was dependent on the same personnel to spread knowledge within our sport. In order to change this direction the ITTF is now fully engaged in educational activities to train and spread knowledge at all levels. The Umpires & Referees Committee was formed with the principle priority of training and education. The approved budget of the U&RC reflects the high priority placed on educating and training officials, as well as forming new trainers or course conductors. It goes without saying that there is a huge demand in Coaching Education as well, and I am very proud to announce that the ITTF is currently testing the delivery of a Level 1 Coaching Manual which will be made available in four languages. This is the fruit of our Development Programme and an immediate necessity.
In order to streamline the education and professional development of our human resources, I will recommend to our Executive Committee, in due time, to propose to our Board of Directors the grouping of some of our committees and commissions under the umbrella of “Human Resources Development” with the educational aspect as the main emphasis. This new initiative should see the creation of a Coaching Development Committee and a better co-ordination of our educational activities with the IOC’s Olympic Solidarity Programme.
As an effort to step up the educational component of our activity, and in order to expose as many members of the ITTF as possible to educational opportunities, the ITTF has, over the last year, organised seminars or courses for Competition Managers, Media Managers, Umpires, Referees, Sport Science, and a Women’s Forum will be held in conjunction with the 2003 WTTC here in Paris.
Global Junior Programme
One of the most successful initiatives of the ITTF in recent history has been the introduction of the Global Junior Programme. In its second season, this programme is growing rapidly and has seen both tremendous success as well as growing pains. It is now our duty to fully integrate this programme in our plans and activities. Each National Association should also seriously reconsider its budgets and plans and decide the extent of its involvement in this long-term development programme. I am happy to announce that the World Junior Championships have been allocated till 2005, and that the Board of Directors will be selecting the host for 2006. I am also very proud to confirm that the costs of this programme are currently fully covered by sponsorship income and contributions from Olympic Solidarity.
Spectators
Although the ITTF has experienced over the last few years an increase in activity, an increase in membership and an increase in media coverage, we are still experiencing a serious deficiency in “live” spectator attendance at our events. This is a general problem seen in all parts of the world with some exceptions. As in 2002, we will continue to study this problem and seek professional outside help to assist the ITTF and its member associations in finding solutions and attracting spectators to our events.
It is heart-warming to see the success of the 2003 WTTC in Paris in terms of spectator attendance. However, we must learn from this experience and spread this momentum to ALL our events and not just the World Championships. Therefore, the choice of “location” for our World Title events has now become a very important issue. We must allocate our “show-case” events to areas where we can guarantee top media coverage, including TV, as well as sure spectator response.
Finances
As President of the ITTF, I am very grateful to the calm and methodical manner by which our finances are being managed. Overseen by our Vice President of Finance, implemented by our Executive Director and replenished by our Marketing partner, the ITTF has managed to meet all of its financial obligations in 2002 through sensitive “cash flow” difficulties. This is mainly due to the successful conversion of our “cash” reserve fund into long term stable real-estate investments, which include permanent head-quarters for the ITTF in Lausanne (Renens). The year 2003 will also be a difficult year in terms of “cash-flow”, but we are very optimistic that our Marketing partner, TMS International, will help the ITTF meet its financial obligations as planned within the quadrennial.
As of 1 January 2003, the ITTF Marketing Division, which has operated over the last few years under the trade name TMS International, has now taken one more step and operates as an independent Marketing agency under the leadership of it’s Managing Director, while remaining fully owned by the ITTF. The independent identity of TMS gives it the opportunity to engage in Marketing activities other than Table Tennis and hopefully generate more income accordingly.
Women Development
In addition to several training camps and coaching courses dedicated to women, the ITTF, through the initiative of its Programme Co-ordinator, is staging a Women’s Forum, the first of its kind, as a pilot project during the Paris World Championships. Already, the ITTF has been asked to do the same during the Doha World Championships next year. I sincerely hope that this initiative will provide the impetus necessary to make women development a central part of our activities, and eventually integrate such activities in the regular stream of the ITTF programmes. In this light, the AGM had decided that in 2003 a woman would be elected to the expanded 7-member Executive Committee. This is a “one time” opportunity in 2003 only and I wish all candidates the best of luck in their endeavour.
The work and success of the ITTF depends on intricate and complex teamwork. Our objectives could not be met, and our programmes could not be implemented without the full participation of both volunteer officials and professional staff. I would like to thank my colleagues on the Executive Committee for their dedication and countless hours of work on behalf of our Federation; I would like to thank the Continental Vice Presidents for their support and involvement; I would like to thank our Committee Chairmen for their dedication and work: and I would like to thank our professional staff for their tireless efforts in implementing the decisions made by our Governing Bodies.
I must here express my delight and pride for the tremendous improvements made to our web-site (www.ittf.com) which is considered one of the best and most comprehensive web-sites of all international federations.
Finally, I would like to state that I am prepared to continue to serve the ITTF and face the challenges ahead. Therefore, I am a candidate for the Presidency and I will seek to renew my mandate as President provided that I can have your confidence and support.
Respectfully submitted
Adham Sharara
ITTF President
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