by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
The man at the helm was Venezuela’s Francisco Seijas, one of the most experienced coaches on the list of those selected to lead ITTF Development Programme courses. Notably, having spent time in Europe, especially in Sweden, his knowledge is extensive; furthermore, I suspect he is one of the very few South American who can understand Swedish!
Overall, a total of 17 coaches from six Latin American countries attended; in addition to Chile, coaches travelled from Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay.
Everyone responded the efforts of Francisco Seijas, all were motivated and all enthusiastic with a plethora of questions and host of discussion topics filling the agenda. Most creditably, at all times a highly professional level was maintained; all benefitted.
A successful course and special mention to the Chilean Table Tennis Federation; under the leadership of Henry Reimberg, they proved ideal hosts.
Pertinently, it was third course organised in Chile this year under the auspices of the ITTF Development Programme.
In January, José Luis Urrita had led a self-funded ITTF/PTT Level One Coach Education Course; more recently Brazil’s Lincon Yasuda had been the head coach on duty for a South American Regional Hopes Week.
Photos: courtesy of Francisco Seijas