The Cayman Islands Table Tennis Association is continuing its mission of revitalising the sport across the Islands, kicking off with an upcoming youth summer camp in partnership with the Department of Sports.
The collaborative five-day camp, set for 27-31 July each evening from 6-8pm at the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI), represents a significant step forward for the association as it provides access to what it described as an “excellent facility”.
Robert Sairsingh, president of the Cayman Islands Table Tennis Association, said, “[Our association] was very keen to partner with the Department of Sports, beginning with this summer camp, as, in previous times we relied solely on our own resources to procure a suitable facility to conduct training and to recruit youth players.
“In the past, those processes were very difficult as none of the halls were made available to us for extended periods. Now that we are gaining access to an excellent facility under the auspices of the DOS for this camp, we cherish the partnership which acts as a catalyst to enabling CITTA to once again have approval for a ‘home’ to grow and develop our sport,” Sairsingh added.
The camp is designed to welcome youth aged 10 to 17, catering to all skill levels from beginners, intermediate and advanced players.
Following an initial assessment, participants will be grouped to focus on skills tailored to their level from foundational movement and hand-eye coordination for beginners, to core strokes and rallies for intermediates, through to competitive rallying, doubles tactics, and rules for advanced players.
“Our main objective is to generate interest in the sport; therefore, we will try to create an atmosphere of fun while learning the fundamentals of the sport,” said Sairsingh.
Four tables will be active each evening, with sessions led by local certified national coach Donovan Nelson, alongside club coaches and national team players.
“For our association, the summer camp will have both elements of recreational and scouting talent,” said Sairsingh.
“[We aim] to showcase the sport and to increase interest and participation in it, particularly at the youth level. And of course, once the interest and talent are identified, we can funnel it into our national programme,” he added.
Sairsingh highlighted that this partnership has also opened doors for sustained development of the sport.
“This initiative also strengthened our prospects in our negotiations and application to utilise the UCCI’s Sir Vassel Johnson Hall over a longer term,” he said.
Starting in September 2026 and running through July 2027, the association will deliver multi-level coaching sessions for UCCI enrolled students three evenings a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
“We hope that clubs and other teams will be established from this breakthrough and indeed, lay the groundwork for greater development and competitive play such as future opportunities to represent the university in local leagues and regional inter-collegiate tournaments,” said Sairsingh.
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