WITH the island’s youth on a summer break, finding things for them to do can sometimes be hard.
Some will work summer jobs, while others attend classes and lessons. Beginning next Monday, the Guam Table Tennis Federation has added another event that might interest everyone: a two-week table tennis camp will be offered at the Tamuning Gym.
The two-week camp will be hosted and conducted by Oceania International Table Tennis Development Officer Michael Brown. According to Brown, one of his goals during the two-week camp is to promote and teach the sport of table tennis to all levels of experience.
“What we want is to get the youth out to learn more about the sport whether you have never played before or have several years under your belt,” Brown said. “Our goal is to develop a pathway for the kids in hopes of gearing them to accomplish a goal or ambition they have or will set in mind.”
Brown will be conducting the clinics from July 2 through 13 and each day will have two sessions. The first session is slated to begin from 9 a.m. to 11, and the second session will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. According to a news release, there will be a charge of $50 for the camp that will include a light meal, drinks, and a paddle.
“Table tennis is a sport for everybody whether you are 5 years old or 100 years old,” Brown added.
Registration for the camp is scheduled for tomorrow from 8 a.m. to noon at the Maite Plaza Building located right above the Red Baron Lounge. According to GTTF officials, the camp will eventually lead up to an islandwide tournament slated to take place on the last day of the camp.
Training course
Not only will the youth get their chance at a bit of table tennis – Brown will also be conducting and holding a training course for all those interested in coaching or wanting to become a table tennis coach. The course will comprise 12 hours that will include a classroom-type learning combined with practical sessions.
“The course will start dealing with the beginning of table tennis and goes from there. Therefore everyone, whether you are a new coach or experienced, starts and ends on the same page,” Brown said.
The coaching course will be held on July 2, 3, 5 and 9 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The fee for the coaching course is $30. For more information on the table tennis training or coaching camp, call 477-9219/9220.
