by Ian Marshall, Editor
Once again, it was a full house of 20 coaches, a total of 19 women and one man attended, the interest level being high a direct result of the immediately preceding initiative which had received extensive coverage on National Sport Radio and Iran Broadcasting Sports News.
Matters commenced with Mehrdad Aligardashi, the President of the Table Tennis Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Mahmood Nazori greeting the course members.
“Thank you for supporting our programme, I’m sure our coaches will benefit under your kind guidance.” Mehrdad Aligardashi
Each session lasted three hours, extra time being needed in order to facilitate translation from English to Farsi.
In a manner of great efficiently Reza Nobahar, a course member with some 35 years of coaching experience alongside Peyman Abolhassani, the Education and Training Director for the Table Tennis Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran and a certified ITTF/PTT Level One Course Conductor proved excellent translators.
Most significantly, it was a most knowledgeable group. No less than 90 per cent of the coaches had Doctorates or Master Degrees in exercise physiology, sport science and physical education. Overall, they came from eight provinces being former national team players, presently coaching at national or provincial level.
“The high level of coaches’ background was proven, five passed with full marks, others with high grades. Congratulations ladies!” Christina Chee
A detailed itinerary appreciated by Fatemeh Keyvani, National Women’s Team Head Coach, Vice President of the Table Tennis Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Chair of the Talent Identification Committee.
“I appreciated the course conductor’s patience; it was an inspiring learning experience and chance to share knowledge. Level Two is beneficial and highly useful for coaches in Iran and especially for me as I’m also coach of ITTF Hopes and Cadets”. Fatemeh Keyvani
Likewise Hamideh Iranmanesh, a national coach and Nasim Ranjbar, a national cadet appreciated the efforts made by Christina Chee.
“All aspects of the course were extremely informative, enjoyable and above all valuable. We both look forward to putting some of the techniques we’ve learned past six days into practice, especially emphasis more on movement with our national players.” Nasim Ranjbar
Positive responses; understandably Christina Chee was most grateful for the effort that had been made on her behalf.
“Thank you to Mr. Peyman Abolhassani and to all the coaches travelled from far distance; also not forgetting Miss Faeze Tabrizifar, for making all hospitality arrangement. Also respectful thanks the members of the Federation for the friendly co-operation during my stay in Tehran. It was been a great success in all possible respects and in such a wonderful hall with excellent facilities. Thank you again to the Table Tennis Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran for organizing this very successful second consecutive Level Two course and for being a great host.” Christina Chee
A busy time for Christina Chee but most worthwhile and venture she will no doubt always remember.
