ITTF Article - Friendship Trophy 2010

ITTF Article - Friendship Trophy 2010

From East to West, North to South Friendship Prevails

By: Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Vicky Elfetheriade (left) & Habiba Besic (right) from the ITTF Headquarters enjoying life in Vervey  Photo By: Courtesy of Lila de Soysa 3/29/2010        In Europe, Switzerland and Spain celebrated the Friendship Trophy to mark Internal Women’s Day in early March 2010. In Asia there was activity in Japan and in Brunei Darussalam whilst in Oceania, New Zealand celebrated in style. Not to be left out, Latin America was most active. Competition and gatherings were held in Argentina, Costa Rica, Grenada and El Salvador. Smiles were everwhere. Unity The Friendship Trophy is a competition to promote women in sport, camaraderie and the fun of playing table tennis; the result of an idea sown in Lausanne at the ITTF Headquarters. Throughout the world International Women’s Day saw a wide range of activities celebrated. The goal of bringing people together through sport was achieved. Reminder It is a reminder that sport is primarly for enjoyment and that professional sport is a development from what originally was break from work and pleasure. Such days put into perspective all the disagreements and arguments that take place over what is something that is to be enjoyed. Asia Organised by Anthony Liew on behalf of the Brunei Amateur Table Tennis Association on Sunday 14th March 2010 at the Menglait Sports Complex, Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan, a total of 31 teams, including 33 women or girls took part in the one day competition. It was the first time in Brunei Table Tennis history there were more female players than male players. Similarly there was much enthusiasm in Japan where Etsuko Ogasawara from International Women’s Group organised a day’s activities in Kumamoto. Plenty of activity in Brunei. Photo courtesy of Alejandra Gabaglio Europe Vevey was the home in Switzerland for the Friendship Trophy on Sunday 21st March 2010 with Katja Brand, International Umpire, organising matters and there was a notable name on the top step of the rostrum. Former Hungarian international Janos Takacs partnered Florence Erbetta to the top prize. Meanwhile in Spain Juan Antonio Linan organised matters on Monday 8th March 2010 in Cártama in Malaga where a very successful Women’s Doubles tournament was held. Florence Erbetta (left) and Janos Takacs (right), competition winners. Photo courtesy of Lila de Soysa Oceania In Oceania, New Zealand was a hive of activity for the Friendship Trophy with Alan Moore, a Table Tennis New Zealand Board member taking charge of proceedings. The Friendship Trophy tournament today at the Table Tennis Canterbury stadium with the country’s top three female players all taking part; Sung Yang eventually finished as the champion with Jenny Hung, the runner up. . A very pleasant day was enjoyed by all with a Barbeque concluding proceedings. An enjoyable event in New Zealand. Photo courtesy of Alejandra Gabaglio Latin America Meanwhile, in Costa Rica, Mercedes Valenzuela organised proceedings with a Mixed Doubles competition being staged and Women’s Working Group pin badges and T-shirts with the ITTF Women’s Working Group logo presented to the winners. In Grenada, Raymond Roberts was in charge of proceedings for Friendship Day whilst in San Salvador, the principal city in the small Central American country of El Salvador, International Women’s Day was celebrated for the sixth year with a Women’s Singles tournament being held and a large entry being attracted. Similarly in Argentina, there was a great deal of activity. Dina Huapi and Bariloche organised the Friendship Trophy for the second consecutive year with a total of four cities hosting evens; in addition to Dina Huapi and Bariloche events were staged in Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes In Salta the organiser was Rocío Hurtado Adet, in Dina Huapi it was José Crnak, in Bariloche Alejandro Reybaud and Jorge González shared responsibilities whilst in San Martín de los Andes, Andrés Lertora tok charge of proceedings. It was a hectic time from east to west and most enjoyable. Smiling faces in El Salvador. Photo courtesy of Alejandra Gabaglio Dina Huapi once again the home for the Friendship Trophy. Photo courtesy of Alejandra Gabaglio

 Source:
http://www.ittf.com/_front_page/ittf_full_story1.asp?ID=20836&Category=