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B-class table tennis kids not taken care of, says parent
As the parent of two aspiring table-tennis players, STOMPer Sandy is concerned about the future of her sons in the sport.
She says:
"I am a concerned parent who is really concerned about the Singapore Table Tennis Association's (STTA) future. It is going to affect my sons' dreams too!
"I have two sons, aged 10 and 11, who are currently undergoing training in the youth team but not the National youth team. They have been training three to four times weekly, for four years.
"My sons really wish to continue training in the STTA even after their Primary six exams. They love the sport so much that they would like to try to apply for a place in the Singapore Sports School in a year's time.
"But according to what I know from other parents, those boys and girls not chosen into the National youth team will quit training at the STTA. Therefore, their interest in this particular sport will diminish as their training cease.
"I think this pool of talent and resources is not being carefully taken care of, just like Gao Ning's case! As for the young and budding players like our children, we will support our kids fully in due time when they are ready to choose their path and career according to their interest and potential.
"As for my concerns, I wish that the STTA (which is a non profit organization) really has the mission of promoting table tennis even though our children may not excel in this year or two .
"They may be the 'B' class players now, but I do hope that they are not being denied the chance of continuing to learn from these experienced Chinese coaches. Otherwise, they may just stop playing after their primary school years like how others did.
"There are not enough resources (coaches) to coach the 'B' class players. The children may continue to play in school, but some coaches and students may not be able to match their slightly 'above-average' standard. And not many schools have good Chinese coaches.
"Maybe we can adopt the system in China, where they have the 'A' and 'B' class players. Our very own Li Jia Wei and team belongs to that group. I really hope that the STTA will look into getting more coaches to develop our youths.
"I also look forward to these sports associations practicing more transparency, in terms of choosing the national players, financial management, and corporate governance.
"Based on recent events, it shows that we still have lots more room for improvement.
"I really hope that all Singapore athletes will live, enjoy and play well within a fair system where they are treated as a respectable players."
As the parent of two aspiring table-tennis players, STOMPer Sandy is concerned about the future of her sons in the sport.
She says:
"I am a concerned parent who is really concerned about the Singapore Table Tennis Association's (STTA) future. It is going to affect my sons' dreams too!
"I have two sons, aged 10 and 11, who are currently undergoing training in the youth team but not the National youth team. They have been training three to four times weekly, for four years.
"My sons really wish to continue training in the STTA even after their Primary six exams. They love the sport so much that they would like to try to apply for a place in the Singapore Sports School in a year's time.
"But according to what I know from other parents, those boys and girls not chosen into the National youth team will quit training at the STTA. Therefore, their interest in this particular sport will diminish as their training cease.
"I think this pool of talent and resources is not being carefully taken care of, just like Gao Ning's case! As for the young and budding players like our children, we will support our kids fully in due time when they are ready to choose their path and career according to their interest and potential.
"As for my concerns, I wish that the STTA (which is a non profit organization) really has the mission of promoting table tennis even though our children may not excel in this year or two .
"They may be the 'B' class players now, but I do hope that they are not being denied the chance of continuing to learn from these experienced Chinese coaches. Otherwise, they may just stop playing after their primary school years like how others did.
"There are not enough resources (coaches) to coach the 'B' class players. The children may continue to play in school, but some coaches and students may not be able to match their slightly 'above-average' standard. And not many schools have good Chinese coaches.
"Maybe we can adopt the system in China, where they have the 'A' and 'B' class players. Our very own Li Jia Wei and team belongs to that group. I really hope that the STTA will look into getting more coaches to develop our youths.
"I also look forward to these sports associations practicing more transparency, in terms of choosing the national players, financial management, and corporate governance.
"Based on recent events, it shows that we still have lots more room for improvement.
"I really hope that all Singapore athletes will live, enjoy and play well within a fair system where they are treated as a respectable players."
