![Stephen Joseph (left) and Physical Education [PE] Teacher Chester Corsinie pose with students as they display their ‘Bronze Award’ certificates](https://www.thevoiceslu.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Stephen-Joseph-and-Physical-Education-PE-Teacher-Chester-Corsinie-pose-with-students-as-they-display-their-Bronze-Award-certificates.jpg)
Consequently, the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports has acknowledged and recognized his efforts , not only for the exemplary work he undertook with the Grade IV students of Bexon Primary School and the Grade III students of Anse La Raye Primary School, but also for works he undertook with students in other schools.
At Bexon, the students focused on perfecting their hand-eye coordination. Meanwhile, the Anse La Raye students were tested on various skills and awarded the Bronze Award upon completion.
Joseph who hails from Entrepot, Marchand has ben residing in the Anse La Raye community from the 80’s and after taking up residence in the district, worked alongside several youth and sports associations in the community.
A former national table-tennis player, Joseph directed his attention to table-tennis and has worked diligently with the youth over the years to help them nurture and fine tune their skills.
Prior to taking up employment with the ministry of sports in 2017, Joseph had undertaken some free-lance coaching stints with the youth in Anse La Raye.
Joseph explained that he trains students from schools in District IV on a weekly basis from Monday to Friday, including; Bexon, La Croix, Anse La Raye,(Primary Schools ) Jon Odlum Secondary School, Roseau and Odsan Combined School.
Also, on Saturdays, Stephen conducts an ‘After- School’ progammme for youngsters from 2 to 4 p.m. at the ALR primary school compound.
Speaking to the level of interest from the students and their attention span, he declared: “The students are keen to learn and they display a very high level of interest in the sport …in all the schools that I visited, they want me to be there with them every day.
He adds that the aim of the Saint Lucia Table Tennis Association (SLTTA) is to, “spread the game around the island and to develop as many young players as possible.”
Joseph explained that for beginners, he trains youngsters from four to five years old “and these learn about the introduction to the game …and I also conduct a Summer-Camp for preschoolers from two years up, every summer at Anse La Raye.”
According to Joseph, there is good cooperation with the schools’ management and teachers “they have been very cooperative with the schedule, and when I go to the school, everything is arranged and I do not have any problems.”
The training programme involves a Skills Certificate award that the youngsters receive depending on their merits in the game ranging from the Bronze Award to the Silver and Gold for the more advanced players.
[R.A].