First ever table tennis academy opens in St. Kitts

By Ryan Haas
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

Director of Sports Dave Connor said that parents could better their relationships with their children through table tennis

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - PARENTS were encouraged Saturday (June 27) to build stronger relationships with their children through sport, as the Federation’s first table tennis academy was officially opened.

Catering to persons “from ages 6-99”, the St. Christopher Table Tennis Academy (SCTTA) officially opened its doors to members of the community over the weekend, providing a sport that demands strong discipline and can be approached by anyone. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the facility which is located on Wilma Street in the C. A. P. Southwell Industrial Site, Director of Sports Dave Connor said that table tennis is a sport unlike many others because parents could participate in it alongside their children. 

“The partnership that I want to see flourish is that between the parents, children and coaches. Many times we like to drop off the children because it is babysitting time, but I am encouraging the parents not to look at this academy as a babysitting facility. 

“Look at it as an opportunity to develop an even stronger bond with your children. The parents can actually come and learn the game along with their children,” he said during his remarks. 

Connor explained why playing a sport with a child could help strengthen his or her relationship with a parent. 

Table tennis players of the Federation young and old were in attendance

“Parents may say, ‘I can’t create that wonderful communicative relationship where my child is ready to confide in me’, but when that child sees that mommy or daddy can play sports just like them, can make mistakes and recover, then they will begin to open up to you because they will start to see that you are just like them.”

Table tennis remains a largely underdeveloped sport in St. Kitts-Nevis, but Connor noted that there are many scholarships and other opportunities available worldwide. He added that parents would have to partner with their children to develop good organisational skills if they were expected to take advantage of these opportunities. 

Meanwhile, Director of Youth Geoffrey Hanley stated in his remarks that important life lessons, such as good sportsmanship, would be instilled in those persons who participated in the academy. 

Director of the SCTTA Edger Berridge speaking at the opening ceremony

“Enjoy winning and, at the same time, I urge you to find some joy and happiness when you lose. This is another discipline that we have to ensure that we instill in our young players. It is okay to lose, but you must go back at it. I urge you to look at your weaknesses and work harder so you can be better the next time around.”

The Director of the SCTTA, Edger Berridge, has a lifetime of experience in the sport and is an internationally certified coach. He stated that his love for the sport of table tennis was one that he hoped could be passed on to the youth of St. Kitts so they could benefit from the sport as much as he has. 

“The objective of this academy is to instill discipline into our kids; let them know that sports can take them somewhere. Table tennis is not just a game, but it is also good for your health and can give you academic opportunities.

“Our motto [at the academy] is ‘Going Beyond’, so for us there will be no obstacles,” he encouraged the youth. 

Following the brief ceremony, a number of exhibition matches were played to show off the top class facility the academy is housed in, which features professional quality tables and rubber flooring. 

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Persons interested in joining the SCTTA may do so by picking up an application form during their normal hours of operation, which are Monday-Friday 4:30 p..m.-6:30 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m.-12 p.m.