The GLTTC, in partnership with Seattle Adaptive Sports has been chosen to participate in the USATT Opening Serve para table tennis program. The program is funded through a grant from the United States Olympic Committee, and aims to bring new disabled players into national competition, and eventually the Paralympics. Para table tennis is the official name of the sport for people with disabilities. Here are the main facets of the program:
- Three GLTTC players, Tom Veatch, Sung Yang, and Kim Goldov were sent to Las Vegas in July for training in coaching para table tennis.
- We have been given two ADA compliant Joola tables along with balls and paddles for program use.
- There will be a para training program at the GLTTC. Our first clinic will be Saturday, August 13 at 5 pm
- Two players from our training program will be sent to compete at the US Open in December
We are currently recruiting players for our para TT program. There will be a class every Saturday at 5:30 pm led by head coach, Tom Veatch. Please contact us at info@glttc.com if you know any disabled people who might enjoy this “sport within a sport”. Kids and vets are especially welcome. NO PRIOR TABLE TENNIS EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. Para table tennis has 10 classes of competition – 5 for wheelchair players and 5 for standing based. Players are categorized into one of the 10 classes based on their level of disability so everyone can participate.