JAMAICA, for the second consecutive year, will be hosting the Caribbean Region Table Tennis Federation (CRTTF) Mini-Cadet and Pre-Cadet Championships for Under-11 and Under-13 boys and girls at the National Arena from August 20-27, 2017.

Seven countries from the Caribbean region have already been confirmed for participation, with Jamaica as host having two participating teams.

The other countries are Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Barbados, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Sandra Riettie, an International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Level Three Coach and tournament manager made the revelation at a press launch held at the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) recently.

The former Jamaica National Senior representative and former champion in the women’s singles, explained that Jamaica has selected 32 Under-11 and Under-13 boys and girls to represent the country in both categories respectively.

Table Tennis Jamaica President, Godfrey Lothian said this was a very historic moment for Jamaica as “we look to be the hub of the sports as we have planned in a four years”.

Meanwhile, Ryan Foster, Group Chief Executive Officer of Tastee Jamaica Limited presented a symbolic sponsorship cheque of $500,000; Nichole Brackett Walters, Group Marketing and Communications Manager of National Commercial Bank (NCB) will be sponsoring to the tune of $200,000, while Tara Brown of Singer Jamaica Limited will donate ten fans to be used during the championships.

Leon Campbell, General Manager of Lannaman’s Shipping Company will sponsor to the tune of $114,000 to purchase trophies and medals.

Jamaica’s Under-13 ‘A’ team are – Dujaun Jackson, Jelani Barnaby, Joel Butler and Antonio Prendergast. Jamaica ‘B’ team consists of Leonardo Miller, Conroy Miller, Andre Richardson and Demar Williams.

The Jamaica ‘A’ team in the Under-13 girls are as follows, Solesha Young, Gianna Lewis, Kelsey Davidson and Selena Khwalsingh. Jamaica ‘B’ members are Janel Blake, Danielle Irving, Christina Smith and Javeira Prendergast.

Jamaica boys Under-11 ‘A’ team members are Matthew Fung, Azizi Johnson, Elizah Moore and Jayden Ebanks. Jamaica ‘B’ – Rasheed Clarke, Aji Francis, Gari Whyte and Brian Blake.

Girls Under-11 ‘A’ team players are Liana Campbell, Tsenaye Lewis, Jada Allwood and Olivia Peterkin , while Jamaica ‘B’ Under-11 team are Dana Prendergast, Shamoy Lamont, Noveah Scott and Leanna Smith.

Coaches of the Jamaica teams are Satoshi Takashima – national Coach, Simon Tomlinson, Paul Curtis, Kevin Hemmings, Levi Hibbert, Richard Davidson, Kane Watson and Dole Parham.

— Gerald Reid