by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Welcomed by the forward thinking Anthony Ho, President of the Fiji Table Tennis Association, the expert on duty was Egypt’s Mohamed Gharib.

A warm welcome and a splendid venue was presented to conduct proceedings; the premises for the whole itinerary being a newly built hall which housed eight table tennis tables.

Overall 11 men and eight women attended the coach education course which commenced on Monday 14th August and concluded on Friday 18th August; each day two sessions were held, the first from 9.00am to 12.00 noon, the second from 1.00pm to 4.00pm.

“Some participants were experiencing table tennis for the first time; notably Ignacio Rizo and Rowan Fagerman came from the outer islands; that was really good to see. Also four Para players attended. Everyone was able to learn different techniques and a variety of physical exercises,” Mohamed Gharib

Following the ITTF/PTT Level One Coaches Course, from Saturday 19th to Tuesday 23rd August, a training camp was held which involved a total of 18 players. Eight male and eight female players attended of whom four were senior team members, two in the junior age category and 12 cadets.

“The Fiji Table Tennis Association provided rackets and balls plus lunch, drinks and transportation; extra help was given to those who lived outside the town. Members of the coaches course were given the opportunity to act as coaches at the training camp.” Mohamed Gharib.

In the evening from 4.00pm to 7.00pm training sessions for members of the national team were held.

“During the coaches’ course and training camp representatives of the Fiji National Sports Commission paid visits. Joji Liga, the Sports Development Manager for the Ministry of Youth and Sports visited, as did Sitiveni Rokoro from the Sports Development Unit and Lorraine Mar from the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee.” Mohamed Gharib

At the closing ceremony, organised by the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee, certificates were distributed to all course members.