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.
- We have a para training program at the GLTTC with coaching provided by Tom Veatch and Kim Goldov
- Two players from our training program were sent to compete at the US Open in December, 2016
We are currently recruiting players for the program. 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. Players are categorized into one of the 10 classes based on their level of disability so everyone can participate.
In August of 2013, KING 5 reporter, Ryan Takeo came with his cameraman and to cover our program. Here is an amazing video of Sung Yang training with Eric Pattison while the camera is on the table right in front of him.