Through Chinese donation…
AMBASSADOR of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Yu Wenzhe, yesterday donated three tables and a set of 20 rackets and balls to the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA). The donation, received by GTTA President, Police Commissioner Henry Greene, at the Police Officers Mess, Eve Leary, Georgetown, is towards development of the sport, locally.
The receipt was in response to a request made to the envoy and the formal handing over was witnessed by other GTTA executives, members of its Council, coaches and ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
Wenzhe told the gathering he is happy to present the table tennis equipment on behalf of the Chinese Embassy and noted that the game is one of the most popular sports in his country.
He said Chinese are very strong in the sport and he is most happy for the China and Guyana exchange in the larger area, including culture.
“Before I came here, I did not know the level of table tennis Guyana possesses but the GTTA, not so long ago, sponsored a nation wide competition with the Chinese Embassy and it was there I saw the expertise of the Guyanese players,” the diplomat said.
He remarked that the performance was good and the Chinese are ready to continue exchanges, which are a new step in their relationship.
Wenzhe said certain other things were discussed and will be followed through to get results.
Replying, Greene said he was elated that the Chinese have fulfilled their promise. He said their meeting was positive and, as such, the assistance followed quickly.
“We have discussed your contribution, which came very quickly and now we are looking to send some players to China for training, for it is known that the best training facilities are in China and we also know that you have the cheapest table tennis equipment in the world and we are looking to forge relations that will help us to exploit and utilise those resources at minimum cost.
“We know that, with your help, we will be able to achieve what we are looking at, in sending two persons to China,” he added.
Greene said GTTA wants to send four or five persons for training in China but, for now, only two will go.
He said the organisation also wants to forge relations with the company that sells table tennis equipment at a reasonable cost, because it intends to push a programme in schools.
Greene thanked the Ambassador for the timely gift and admitted GTTA is willing to accept many more.