by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Locally administered and financed by the Venezuelan Table Tennis Federation and Merida State Table Tennis Association, the expert on duty was the host nation’s Michel Garcia Brunicardi.

A popular destination, students travelled such states as Zulia, Lara, Trujillo, Tachira, Barinas and Merida.

Clearly motivated by the efforts of Michel Garcia Brunicardi, all shared the same enthusiasm; all were most willing to learn in what proved a very friendly atmosphere.

“Magnificent, the course activated many things that I had forgotten.” Dario Esteves

“I realized here that there are things I was doing wrong and now understand.” Jesus Davila

“Very good course, I learned things I did not know, especially tournament organization.” Jofrer Cañizalez

“An incredible experience, thanks for the kindness and care.” Aliber Primera

“I would have liked that the course had been longer, doubts I had were addressed by very clear explanations.” Grecia Martinez

“Excellent, everything was delivered in a constructive way”. Gustavo Cedeño

Pertinently, it was the first of four ITTF/PTT Level One courses that the Venezuelan Table Tennis Federation is promoting throughout the country, the schedule is being organised in four regions, Western, Central-Western, Central and Eastern.

It is a positive initiative which will undoubtedly result in a major increase in coaches in a country that is always prominent in Latin American competitions.