THE Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has made it possible for Saint Lucia to secure the services of a table tennis coach from Taiwan.
Eason Yang’s stint will be for one year, operating from the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports and working in close collaboration with the Saint Lucia Table Tennis Association.
During a brief presentation on Monday, president of the St. Lucia Table Tennis Association Teddy Matthews expressed his association’s pleasure at having the services of coach Yang. He noted that it fit into their development thrust, especially in identifying and nurturing new talent.
Director of Youth Development and Sport Jim Xavier.announced that the coach had already started his assignment with visits to several schools and had fitted in well at the Ministry.
An official of the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Saint Lucia, Shyi-Ren Sun stated he was pleased that the two nations could work together for another constructive venture.
“It is the first time we have had a Taiwanese volunteer as a coach. For the past several years, we had volunteers under the administration of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector, the Ministry of Agriculture and National Trust; but this is the very first time a volunteer is working with the Ministry of Sports. We are honoured to have one of our volunteers to assist in the Youth Development and Sports sector, “Sun said.
He added: “With the Ministry endorsing the sport of table tennis here in St. Lucia, I am certain the number of St. Lucians playing the game will increase. I strongly believe they will take it to an international level, where the country can be represented world wide; thus making a contribution to the economy of the country through the performance of sports and tourism.”
Coach Yang, a graduate from national Taiwan Normal University with a major in physical education, pledged to do his best to improve table tennis here particularly in schools .
“ I hope we can develop the talent of students and elite players and get Saint Lucians to like and enjoy the sport, “ he said.