January 13, 2012
Live Television & Distinguished Guests Welcome the World to Puerto Rico
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2011 ITTF Global Cadet Challenge & Global Junior Circuit Finals Courtesy of ITTF The venue, where the Latin American teams have been practicing since Sunday 8th January, witnessed a well-attended Press Conference with Ivan Santos, the forward thinking President of the Puerto Rico Table Tennis Federation, presiding over matters. |
In addition to members of the media being present, Henry Neumann, Minister of Sports in Puerto Rico was in attendance.
Proud Moment
Undoubtedly, the staging of the annual event in Puerto Rico is a proud moment for all concerned with table tennis in the Caribbean island.
It is also an occasion of which Henry Neumann is justly proud.
Truly Global
"I'm delighted, I'm extremely happy to present, today this event in Puerto Rico; this is a true world class event”, he said. “Sometimes, some sport promoters come to present their events as world events but then we realize there are only five or six participating teams.”
Unquestionably that is not the situation for the ITTF Cadet Challenge and ITTF Junior Circuit Finals.
“In the next few days no less than 38 countries from all over the world will be present in Puerto Rico and this, after having passed through continental qualification events”, continued Henry Neuman. “So the very best under 15 players in the world will gather in Puerto Rico".
Favorite Player
Furthermore, Henry Neuman has a distinct interest in table tennis and follows the fortunes of the young players closely.
“I do not hide that Brian Afanador is my favorite young athlete in Puerto Rico”, he added. “A model for others to follow as sportsman, student and as a person; I hope all our young athletes can follow his example.”
Support Appreciated
The support from Henry Neuman and the Ministry of Sports in Puerto Rico is well deserved and also greatly appreciated.
“I want to thank the International Table Tennis Federation for entrusting us with the organization of this historical event for the Puerto Rico table tennis”, said Ivan Santos. “It is the most important held here in our 70 years of history; my thanks also to the Department of Recreation and Sports of Puerto Rico for their invaluable support, without which this dream would not have been possible.”
Memories of Mayagüez
It is not a dream, it is reality and has been made possible thanks to the efforts of all concerned in the Caribbean island; in 2009 a well organized table tennis tournament as part of the Central American and Caribbean Games was staged in Mayagüez.
Perfect Arrangements
In 2011 the same can be expected in San Juan, a fact endorsed by Francisco Seijas, the General Director of the Latin American Table Tennis Union.
photo left: Henry Neumann addresses to Press Conference in San Juan (right)
photo right: The players from Latin America, delighted with the premises provided for training
Photo By: FPTM
Reflects Impact
Equally, Raul Calin, the Global Junior Program Director and fulfilling the role of Competition Manager at the ITTF Cadet Challenge and Global Junior Circuit Finals was equally praiseworthy.
"It is not every day we present a junior event live on television and with high ranking officials being the hosts”, he said. “The presence of such personnel reflects the impact made by the Puerto Rico Table Tennis Federation in recent years and shows how seriously the stakeholders have taken this tournament; we're very positive about the days to come and about the future of table tennis in Puerto Rico."
Unquestionably the presence of government officials is valued as was the attendance of one other person in particular.
A Special Guest
Notably Mrs. Kiki Gaetan was present; she was the President of the Puerto Rico Table Tennis Federation in the 1970s and has a special place in history. She was the first female president of a national table tennis governing body.
She renewed acquaintances, in particular with Leticia Castaldo, the current Secretary-General of the Puerto Rico Table Tennis Federation and gave her full support to the event.
Basis for Success
Full support and full sport from all concerned, in Puerto Rico all the relevant organizations co-operate; the basis for success, the formula for a successful ITTF Cadet Challenge and ITTF Global Junior Circuit Finals.
photo left: The TV camera whirls behind Kiki Gaetan (left) & Leticia Castaldo (right)
photo right: Puerto Rico ready for the ITTF Cadet Challenge and ITTF Junior Circuit Finals
Photo By: FPTM
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