by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Venue for the proceeding was the capital, Papeete, with Sarah Hanffou, the 2010 African Women’s Singles champion and President of Ping Sans Frontières, the expert on duty.

Para table tennis was the focal point. Pertinently, Alain Barrere, the Director of the Handisport Federation, had signed an agreement with Gérald Huioutu, the President of Tahitian Table Tennis Federation. Alain Barrere visited the course and advised on medical constraints experienced by Para players and indicated suitable venues.

Thus, thanks to the agreement, 11 members of the Handisport Federation attended the Level One Coaches Course and Training Camp; they were part of an overall group which comprised 23 coaches, 18 men and five women.

It was for some very much a chance to refresh knowledge; several had attended a course conducted by Frenchman Cédric Rouleau in late October and early November 2014.

Coach education completed, a total of 34 players, including those from the Handisport Federation, took part in the Training Camp; notably 18 of the overall number being from the sports section of the Pirae High School. It is the city where the training centre and headquarters of the Tahitian Table Tennis Federation are located.

Sponsored by Ping Sans Frontières and in accordance with the International Table Tennis Federation, a tournament was staged on the concluding day of action with all the players receiving a table tennis racket.

Throughout the course, Gérald Huioutu alongside Xavier Bouly and Raihau Mao supported proceedings, being committed totally to promoting table tennis for the disabled.

It is anticipated that Alizé Belrose, the current Pacific Games Champion, will arrive in the near future to assume a full-time coaching role.