THE Guyana Table Tennis Association’s (GTTA) Guyana-based representatives for the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games Table Tennis tournament are scheduled to leave today for Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, for the competition which runs from July 22 to 30. Idi Lewis, who will function as the team’s captain for this occasion, Christopher Franklin and Natalie Cummings are scheduled to fly out at 05:00 h today and will join the remainder of the six-member contingent, Michelle John, Trenace Lowe and Paul David, who are based in the United States of America.
General Secretary of the GTTA, Godfrey Munroe, in giving his take on the expectations of the locals said that while the competition will be tough, the disparity between the competing nations is not great but the fact that the team comprises the most seasoned and experienced players means that we are right up there in terms of contention for medals.
He, however, stressed that the girls stand a better chance at medalling as the team has both the female Caribbean champion and runner-up in the Under-21 category.
Munroe went on to justify his expectations by highlighting the fact that Guyana qualified for the CAC games as they finished second overall in the Caribbean Championships last year – a feat which, from his insinuations, should not be taken lightly.
He also revealed that the preparations for the event were well taken care of by the GTTA as Mr Barrington, who is the Guyana Olympic Association’s Fitness Trainer took care of training the players.
Munroe, however, revealed that the only concerns that he has are that Colin France who was a member of the team at the Caribbean Championships will be absent from this competition and also the possibility that the uncertainty of the team’s attendance at the competition leading up to their departure may have caused psychological hindrances that may have negatively affected the training sessions.
Munroe expressed his gratitude to the benefactors who came on board with the GTTA to make the trip a possibility making special mention of Commissioner of Police Henry Greene. (Storme Moore)