Butterfly’s World Cadet Challenge Legacy
October 16, 2007

Elite junior proud to wear their new clothing from Butterfly Photo courtesy of the Training Camp Organizers

Courtesy of ITTF A five day training camp in Embalenhle, one of the financially disadvantaged regions of South Africa, was one of the major wishes of the table tennis manufacturer, Butterfly. The reason: in order to leave a lasting legacy in the country, once the ITTF World Cadet Challenge and ITTF World Junior Circuit Finals have concluded in Cape Town. The Training Camp, organized from Sunday October 13, 2007 to Wednesday October 17th, precedes the prestigious annual tournament which starts on Tuesday October 23rd and concludes on Sunday October 28th.

No less than twenty elite level junior player are in attendance while, in addition, there are two sessions for forty beginners.

Butterfly, a sponsor of the ITTF World Cadet Challenge and ITTF World Junior Circuit Finals, not only supported the training camp, led by ITTF Director of Development Programs, Glenn Tepper but also they will fund Bheki Khumalo. He is the unemployed coach for local junior players; also, two lucky junior players will be able to join the ITTF World Cadet Challenge training camp in Cape Town as a special incentive.

South African elite juniors show great pleasure with their new Butterfly equipment.

A Reason to Smile
In Embalenhle, there is no blue sky. Thick smoke hangs heavy over South Africa’s largest coal producing region.

There is not a great deal to smile about in the poorer regions of South Africa but in Embalenhle this week there are smiles all around. The smiles are courtesy of Butterfly raising funds through a website auction, as well as providing a large amount of rackets, racket covers, tracksuits, shirts, towels and other items.

“The Decision Was Made this Morning”
Butterfly’s gesture was also greatly appreciated by the Mpumalanga Sports Academy represented by Mr. Sikhosana, who watched the first day’s training. Asked if he could assist table tennis to become part of the Academy he quickly announced: “Table Tennis is part of the Academy!”

The next question was: when was that decision made; the reply was prompt. “The decision was made this morning, and it is effective from today”, said a clearly impressed and supportive Mr. Sikhosana. The comment impressed all and set the scene for a positive day’s training.

Mpumalanga Department of Arts, Sport and Culture were also represented by Mr. Magagula, together with SASOL Sports Development unit which assists the local community with special projects.

Looking to Impress
Long time South Africa Table Tennis President, Ganief Fataar, took a long early morning drive to welcome everyone at the start of the training camp.

Always looking for new challenges, when asked about the World Cadet Challenge, he quickly replied that all was well and that they are hoping to impress the International Table Tennis Federation sufficiently to host even bigger events in the future. He even asked about the possibility at the ITTF World Cadet Challenge about the International Table Tennis Federation inspecting larger venues for bigger in the future.

South Africa is an inspiring place to visit. Despite the many hardships they face, there is always a “can do” attitude and they are always looking to new challenges.

Congratulations and deepest thanks Butterfly for your initiative and thank you South Africa for your motivation and inspiration!

The supporters of table tennis with Glenn Tepper (far right) in Embalenhle.