THE Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA), in trying to nurture its cradle for development, which is the school system, is partnering with the National Sports Commission (NSC) and The Business School to run off the first major schools’ tournament for the year.

Their collaborative efforts will come to fruition on Thursday, January 28 in the form of The Mini Cadet, Cadet and Junior Teams Table Tennis Tournament.

Secretary of the GTTA, Godfrey Munroe, expressed his gratitude to the sponsor for aiding his association in getting the ball rolling in its aim for 2010, which is to target schools and which corresponds with the global initiative that involves having players at all levels active in the sport to diminish the void in experience being faced in the generation gaps.

Munroe revealed that the GTTA conducted a bit of outreach over the past year and he says that it is these schools that were a part of that development initiative that will be specially targeted by this tournament. He said that it is the intention of the GTTA to build on the progress of this tournament and ultimately usher in a national schools’ tournament.

All in all the GTTA Secretary said that the tournament fits into the over-all developmental programme for table tennis in schools.

Director of Sport Neil Kumar said that he was a happy witness to the launch of the first table tennis tournament for the year. Kumar acknowledged the GTTA for its good efforts in 2009 a year in which the training of teachers was a focal point.

The tournament, which will be round robin in nature, will be contested in three categories namely: the 13 years and under, 15 years and under and 18 years and under, and will run until January 31. Prizes will be allotted to the top three finishers in each category, the most outstanding male and female player, the most improved player, the best dressed school and the most disciplined school.

The event is also aimed at fostering camaraderie among students; promoting healthy lifestyles through sporting activity and having individuals actively participate in table tennis activities on both a recreational and competitive basis.

The GTTA and NSC will coordinate tournament fixtures and will provide umpires, tables and balls among other resources. A meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 27 for representatives of each participating school.