Soccer is not the only Growing Sport in Belize

Table tennis in the Central American country of Belize is growing at a rapid rate.

Arguably the speed of growth is as fast, if not faster, than anywhere else in the world.

Accepted they do not have players who as yet can grace the world stage and contend for the highest honours in the sport but when it comes to innovation, new ideas and increasing participation; then their world ranking is amongst the very elite.

In less than two years since the Belize Table Tennis Association was formed, a sound organisational structure under Arturo “Tux” Vasquez, the President, has been put in place and, by the day, there seems to be new developments in place.

Milestone
The weekend of Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September 2009 saw yet another milestone reached.

“After several conversations with a very energetic and enthusiastic parents from Holy Redeemer Primary School in Belize City, the reality of introducing table tennis to the students began this Saturday”, said Arturo Vasquez. “Headed by Mrs. Tanya Mahler, the Holy Redeemer Primary School parents were able to raise enough funds to acquire three table tennis tables for the school, combining this with the already existing spacious school Parish Hall Auditorium, efforts between the parents and the national association resulted in the first session for the children.”

A venue, table tennis tables and from that base you can build.

Experienced Assistance
“After a somewhat short notice to parents and considering that the school year has only just began, some 15 or so very enthusiastic children showed up this Saturday to be introduced to the sport of table tennis”, continued Arturo Vaquez. “Experienced Belize Table Tennis Association members were on hand to provide coaching and encouragement to these very curious minded kids; aged seven to about 14, they were all very excited to be a part of this event.”

Giving back to table tennis is always good to see.

More Coaching
“Ernesto “Brother” Rivero and Nelito “Nel” Ayuso, both top ranked and experienced Belize senior players were available to assist the children throughout the session that ran from around 2.00pm to about 5.30pm”, continued Arturo Vasquez. “Additional schedules will be made available to the children during weekdays with the Parish Hall Auditorium totally available and accessible to the students, it will definitely help the development of table tennis at Holy Redeemer Primary School.”

The session over it was time for more promotion.

Further Information
“After the session, the children were provided with “hand outs” that included information about the Belize Table Tennis Association, with relevant application forms to become members of the Association”, explained Arturo Vasquez. “Also provided were some printed “tips” on the “Basics of Table Tennis” and a few incentives of free DVD’s; with parents present, it was very encouraging to see the interest shown to the Belize Table Tennis Association’s effort to introduce the sport to the school.”

It is very much a first step but an important step and one which will enable children to both enjoy and advance in the sport of table tennis.

Constitution Provision
“The Constitution was written to allow clubs to be member of the he Belize Table Tennis Association; thus the Holy Redeemer School Table Tennis Club is now a member”, explained Arturo Vasquez. “Also, some Tibhar rackets and balls were donated to the school by the Association who will continue to support the efforts of the Holy Redeemer Primary School Table Tennis Club.”

Certainly working in harmony is the way forward and the school would seem to be as progressive as the National Association.

More Coaches
“The school is already planning on providing club identity cards”, continued Arturo Vasquez. “Also, the Belize Table Tennis Association has already begun the process of identifying interested adults from within the school who play table tennis to become certified ITTF Level One coaches by attending the forthcoming ITTF Development Programme course in Belize in November.”

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