December 20, 2011
Tremendous Response in First Three Weeks, ITTF Hopes Catches Imagination
 Scotland's Christopher Wheeler benefited from the ITTF Hopes Program in 2012 Photo By: An Sung Ho |
Courtesy of ITTF Powered by Butterfly, Hopes players and their coaches around the world can look forward to great fun next year. Only a few weeks into registration for national associations (closing date: Saturday March 31, 2012), no fewer than 19 countries have activated their flag to join the ITTF Hopes Program for 2012. |
Visit: www.ittf.com/hopes2012 for prospectus 2012 and official registration for national associations.
Follows ITTF Development Program Initiatives
I am perfectly happy with the response from national associations so far.
The interesting part is that many countries in Africa, involved in recent ITTF Development initiatives, such as courses and equipment support, are showing great interest to join the program.
Walk on Water
Overall I am sure that we will see some 50 to 60 national associations organizing themselves to join a very brave and innovative global talent identification project; of course my department is setting the bar high for the next few years. In three years’ time, the number of countries with Hopes activities in play should overtake the numbers entered for the World Championships.
If that happens I promise to walk on water or something of that nature!
New Model
In the new model each national association commits to organize the first phase of the program, a national activity for the selection of three candidates; one boy and one girl born in 2000 or 2001 and one registered coach to join educational initiatives offered by the International Table Tennis Federation.
Step two features the ITTF World Hopes Week organized in June 2012; a fun mix of training, competition and educational sessions. In the third and final phase (August, September 2012) the ITTF Education Department forms an ITTF World Hopes Showcase Team for approximately three weeks of training and competition.
ITTF World Hopes Week
Furthermore, the ITTF Education and Training department is pleased to confirm that the 2012 ITTF World Hopes Week will take place in a city steeped in table tennis history.
Falkenberg in Sweden will host the ITTF World Hopes Week from Sunday June 10th to Monday June 18th.
Pieces in Place
During a recent visit by an ITTF Delegation, the pieces of the puzzle fell into place.
The event will be staged in the brand new Falkhallen, a multipurpose sporting venue with plenty of space and excellent opportunities. High tech multimedia equipment is already installed.
Visit: www.falkhallen.se to see the venue.
Hung Ka Tak a member of the ITTF Hopes Team in 2010 leads a new generation
in Hong Kong
Photo By: An Sung Ho
World Class Coaches
Organizing the event will be the local club Falkenbergs BTK, the all-time leading club in Sweden, fostering countless world class players over the years.
Targeted for head coaching duties for the official Hopes Training Camp are names like Peter Karlsson, Erik Lindh and other Swedish top coaches. They will work alongside with appointed ITTF coaches looking to evaluate all the young players participating.
Full Support
In addition to the excellent facilities the World Hopes Week is fully backed by the city of Falkenberg and the Swedish Table Tennis Association.
I have no doubt in my mind that the club Falkenbergs BTK and its President Mr Michael Sterne, with strong backing from the Swedish Association, will deliver an excellent event for our very youngest international clients, the ITTF Hopes.
Brian Afanador (left) and Aaron Wilson (right), the best of friends as a result of the ITTF Hopes Program
Photo By: An Sung Ho
Exciting to Follow Progress
It will be exciting for sure to follow the progress and work done in national associations all around the globe when it comes to the new Hopes Program.
To be able to announce Falkenberg as the place for the 2012 ITTF World Hopes Week should help the momentum and drive the interest to participate.
Great Sense of Anticipation
Personally I am looking forward to a week of great fun and excitement in early June next year; truly the perfect time of the year to visit the Swedish West Coast.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Marie Migot of France will be on duty for the ITTF World Hopes Team in
Puerto Rico in January 2012
Photo By: An Sung Ho
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