Belize Table Tennis Association gives generously

Three of six Belize City primary schools were today the recipients of table tennis equipment including balls, rackets and tables as part of an initiative spearheaded by the Belize Table Tennis Association to introduce and develop the sport among children.  This morning, handing over ceremonies were held at Wesley, Trinity Methodist and Saint Mary primary schools where the items were delivered to their respective administrations.

Kayla Arnold, Teacher, St. Mary’s Primary School

Kayla Arnold

“We’re looking at it not only for athletic development but also to help in discipline for the school because it’s a sport whereby it takes a lot of time.  It takes a lot of accuracy and precision and so we really look forward for the students to be able to learn from the sport, to learn from the rules and be able to use it not only at school but also at home and in life.”

Arturo ‘Tux’ Vasquez

Arturo ‘Tux’ Vasquez, President, Belize Table Tennis Association

“Really what we’re working really is that we’re developing table tennis in the primary schools.  Last year we started by doing some training of teachers.  We were on Open Your Eyes, if you recall we brought in an expert and the idea really is to train the teachers so that they can then go back into their different schools and do the training.  So the other step for that really was for the association to donate tables, rackets and balls to these schools.  We’re working with six primary schools and this morning we started with Wesley, Trinity Methodist and St. Mary’s.”

Karen Young, Executive Member

Karen Young

“In order for you to become a member of the Belize Table Tennis Association there’s a form that needs to be filled out and a membership fee which is fifty dollars for adults and ten dollars for children.  However, I would not want that to deter you from becoming a member.  There are ways that we can make payments plans.  I can be reached at 1752 [Coney Drive] which is at Young’s Automotive.  I am there all day, I can be contacted there or by way of email.  Our email is btta@gmail.com.”

According to Vasquez, a primary school tournament has been scheduled for this summer, following the introduction of the table tennis curriculum to the remaining schools.