SVGTTA sows Grassroots programme

The executive of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Table Tennis Association (SVGTTA) last Saturday formally launched its Grassroots programme at the Bethel High School.{{more}}

The Grassroots programme forms part of the National Youth Development Programme, which was formulated by the technical advisor of the SVGTTA Orville Haslam.

When the programme rolled out at the Bethel High School venue, some 20 youngsters between the age of six and 14 showed up. Taking the youngsters through their paces will be coaches Unica Velox and Romano Spencer.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Haslam said the programme seeks to not only teach the children the sport, but position them to acquire scholarships overseas.

Once the programme gets rooted, the executive of the SVGTTA plans to germinate about 40 such sprouts throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Meanwhile, the West St George and Georgetown Secondary Schools, the Brighton Methodist School are the others currently operational.

These centres, along with the AVESCO Sport Club in Arnos Vale are already confirmed.

Other centres are being pursued in order to have the Grassroots programme grow as quickly as possible.

It is expected that some of the recently trained coaches will put in their 30 hours in the programme assisting them in becoming certified.

Last Saturday’s launch also heard remarks from President of the SVGTTA Tyrone Jack and Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture Cecil Mc Kie.(RT)