by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager

A volunteer, in conjunction with the El Salvador Table Tennis Federation, the visit of Motohiro Kumaki, was organised by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), an organisation formed by the Japanese government to help developing countries and promote international co-operation. Notably he was the fourth such coach to visit El Salvador under the scheme’s auspices.

In his presentation when referring to the national teams, he highlighted three main areas: knowing how to understand players, creating detailed training schedules and deciding what players must do to improve.

Meanwhile, when addressing the Nittaku Dream Building programme; he underlined the fact that he had worked with a motivated volunteers, present on a short term basis, in 17 communities, helping some 1,500 young people.

Present for the occasion was Victor Hugo Mata Tobar, the President of the El Salvador Table Tennis Federation who stressed the importance of the close links with JICA, whilst giving a personal thanks to Motohiro Kumaki for his devotion to helping young people in the country.

Also in attendance was Juan Salmeron, the Head of Community Sports for the National Institute of Sport (INDES). He endorsed the views of Víctor Hugo Mata Tobar stressing the values of knowledge, discipline and hard work.

Positive words from El Salvadorian officials; it was the same from Makoto Ohno, Co-ordinator of the JICA Volunteer Programme. He stressed his commitment to the initiative and explained that a further volunteer would arrive later in the year in October.

Furthermore he made very clear his delight with the fact that since 2013, JICA had worked closely with the Nittaku Dream Building project; a concept which he stressed had impacted the lives of many young people.

Motohiro Kumaki will leave El Salvador on Friday 23rd March.