Amoah Tennis Foundation committed to supporting young Table Tennis lovers

Former international table tennis star Eric Amoah has disclosed that he wants to give back to society what he has achieved as a sports star and also contribute in solving the problems of social vices committed by the youth by keeping them busily playing table tennis.

The table tennis whiz kid who reigned and controlled Ghana Table Tennis for over ten years, from 1995 to 2007 said he wants to support the Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) in unearthing new talents for the interesting game and propagate the message of the game as a sport that makes on very fit, focused, agile, alert and trendy.

Speaking to yours truly at the launch of the Amoah National Under 15 and Special Veterans Open to be held at the rlg / DG Hathiramani Sports Hall at the Accra Sports Stadium, he expressed that the competition is open to students and appealed to parents to allow their kids to come out and express themselves in the game of table tennis.

He hinted that attractive prizes in the form of trophies, medals and cash are at stake for grabs, and there is the opportunity of being recognized by the national table tennis coach an d being drawn into the national junior team, if one has the potential and affection to play.

Eric Amoah who won the Inter Regional schools & colleges in Ho in 1994, where he was discovered and moved on to become the Bournvita Juniors (Under 15) champion, then national champion in 1996, before representing Ghana at the African Championships in Kenya said sports is good for the youth as it can change your life and take you to places you never dreamt of.

According to Amoah, table tennis has taken him to places like the United Kingdom, Holland, France, Algeria, Nigeria and Australia.

He was successful to be employed by the British Army and won an award as the Royal Best Sports Personality in 2011.

He was featured in many specialized military and sports publications.

Eric Amoah said through sports, he has benefited from good formal education which enabled him to join the British Army.

He promised to use his influence to provide table tennis equipment and organize regular clinics for talented young players across the nation as part of a grand objective of reviving and developing the sport.

He promised to set up the first ever table tennis academy in Ghana to identify talents into national and world class players through a comprehensive programme and regular competitions in Ghana and abroad.

Nii Lante Vandepuije, Member of Parliament of Odododiodoo commended Amoah for his efforts and promised to support his programme.

He urged companies to sponsor the lesser known sports including table tennis.

The national table tennis coach Owusu Ansah stressed that table tennis is good for students as it keeps them focused and help in their learning.

The Amoah Foundation Under 15 Open takes place on March 8, 2014.

By Sammy Heywood Okine