14 Jan 2018

An ideal way to start the New Year, certainly an ideal way to start 2018 with a view to promoting the sport of table; such was the situation in the Argentine capital city of Buenos Aires.

Organised under the auspices of the ITTF Development Programme, directed by the host country’s Alejandra Gabaglio, an ITTF/PTT Level One Course was staged from Wednesday 3rd to Sunday 7th January.

by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager

Venue for the whole itinerary was CEDIMA (Disabled Center of La Matanza), a club rich in the history of promoting disabled sport in Argentina.

Unfortunately on Wednesday 25th October the premises suffered extensive fire damage; the immediate effect being that all activities had to be stopped. Currently designs are in place to renovate the centre.

“The international and American level of play in Para table tennis is growing faster every year, more players, more countries are taking the challenge; tournaments are becoming more and more competitive. Thus for this reason it is important not to lose time and most definitely to have long terms goals based and strong development policies.” Alejandra Gabaglio

A venue in need of considerable rebuilding but everyone adapted to the situation and all responded to the efforts of Alejandra Gabaglio, a most experienced course conductor.

“In January in Argentina, it is summer; the weather was really hot during the course but nothing stopped this group of 16 participants. The new coaches were highly motivated and responded to every aspect of the course; all gained knowledge on how to teach beginners and on how to help players with disabilities.” Alejandra Gabaglio

A most valuable course and most valuable for more than one reason; it was more than yet another course, it gave a feeling that a new era beckons, like Phoenix from the ashes, CEDIMA is set to rise again.

 Argentina – ITTF/PTT Level One Course
Photos: Popiolek

High Performance and Development Coaching Alejandro Gabaglio