The Jamaica Table Tennis Association (JTTA) and the Jamaica Paralympics Association (JPA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanting (MOU) that will result in the JTTA providing coaching and training for paralympic athltes under an aggressive programme with a view to transitioning the athletes to the international stage.

The signing was done during a press conference held at the Sir John golding Rehabilitation Centre, University of the West Indies (UWI), Paralympics Club House, yesterday.

Christopher Samuda, president of the JPA, and also General Secretary of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), and Godfrey Lothian, president of the JTTA, signed the agreement.

Lothian welcomed the move and was hoping that in another three or so years the Jamaica Paralympians would stand out among the best in the world in this sporting discipline.

“Presently we are looking out for table tennis players from the paraplegics to represent Jamaica at 2020 Paralympics Games in Tokyo, Japan,” Lothian said.

He added: “They should be given all, and every opportunity to excel in the sport. This MOU is just the beginning in what we are aiming at for the future. This partnership has a great potential among the paraplegics or disabled as the game of table tennis can be played by everyone and anywhere. It doesn’t need much space as various (other) sports to play the game.”

Meanwhile, Michael Fennell, president of the JOA, was also pleased to be associated with this venture. “We also want the whole wide world to know this historic moment and what is happening in Jamaica. Table tennis is a sport that can be played by everyone anywhere…,” said Fennell.

“The paraplegics should enjoy a good life through sports and table tennis provides a good link,” said Fennell.

Meanwhile, Samuda explained that this MOU was not accidental. “It was inevitable as both the Jamaica Paralympics Association and Table Tennis Jamaica have a common objective — to expose, nurture and mature talent for pride of our country and self-fulfilment.”

He said it will be a partnership that will, under the “Road to Tokyo Campaign” create a pathway for paralympians to realise potential, fulfil ambition and fuel aspirations, as they build towards the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics Games.

“It is a partnership that will bring the sport, competitively and recreationally, to a community of youth and young men and women whose abilities far exceed their disabilities,” said Samuda.