July 29, 2010
Butterfly Once Again Supports Asian Development Initiatives
 Afshin Badiee (third from left) of the Asian Table Tennis Union with officials at the aid ceremony Photo By: Courtesy of Afshin Badiee |
Courtesy of ITTF Over 230,000 people in 14 countries, lost their lives; it was one of the deadliest natural disasters ever recorded; the Asian countries of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand were the hardest hit. |
The International Table Tennis Federation responded immediately with assistance as did several table tennis manufacturers with the Tamasu Company who markets its products under the trade name of Butterfly being at the helm of assistance.
The Right Spirit
They gave knowing the return would be great satisfaction at helping those in peril, the reward would not be financial.
Continental Program
Prior to the devastating Tsunami, Butterfly had supported the efforts the fledgling ITTF Development Program and they have continued their support since the dreadful happenings of Boxing Day 2004.
A major initiative since 2004 has been the Butterfly Continental Junior Assistance Project which commenced in 2006 and now is in its final year.
Incentive
“In the previous four years Africa, Latin America, Oceania and now Asia have received a large packet of equipment at their Continental Junior Championships”, explained Glenn Tepper, the ITTF Executive Director-Development Programs. “The packages are to act both as an incentive to attend the Continental Junior Championships and to assist the juniors in each country.”
Annually for the past four years each continent has received 480 mid level rackets, 120 elite rackets and 48 gross of training balls.
Presentation Ceremony
Once again, as in 2004, six years later Butterfly was on hand to help Asia.
At the Presentation Ceremony held in Bangkok on the occasion of the M-Sport Asian Junior Championships in Thailand, the continental award was made.
Thailand, as the host country received 25% of the equipment with 14 countries receiving 25 mid level rackets, 6 elite rackets and 360 balls.
Continued Support
The program is now at end but Butterfly continues to support the ever growing efforts of the ITTF development Department; this year has also agreed to provide tables, rackets, balls and shirts to all Peace and Sport Projects annually.
True Words
A splendid gesture and from all who have received help from the Tamasu Company the words of Glenn Tepper ring true “Thank you Butterfly” thank you very much indeed!”
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