02/01/2018
The ball is in our hands
Let us paddle our way to unity
January 1, 2018
Since table tennis or ping-pong made its way to the Philippines in the 20th century, it has become a way to bring together people.
Introduced by the Americans when they colonized the country, ping-pong was played by Filipinos not only to have physical activity but to establish a sense of community.
Ping-pong has traditionally fostered unity. It brings together people, unites them. Its origins alone bear witness to this. Invented by the British, introduced to us by the Americans, revolutionized by the Japanese who introduced soft rubber, and played by Asians, and Europeans alike, ping-pong is a sport that bridges cultures, and people.
Today, as we celebrate the New Year, I make this appeal for unity in the face of forces, and circumstances threatening to tear apart the table tennis community.
I appeal:
First of all to member associations of PTTF. Let us start the year right by strengthening our federation. This can start by ensuring that our associations at the local level are strong and united. Our federation can only be as strong as its weakest member-association.
Second, I appeal to sporting associations, and government regulatory bodies to promote unity instead of dividing the table tennis community in the country.
Third, to our leaders in government. We need to work together in promoting ping-pong but you should be aware of your place, and how to help us best. You can best help us by keeping your hands off the sport. You need not personally lead us but you can get behind us, support the sport by helping improve training facilities, training programs, and provide financial aid for sending us to international competitions.
In the midst of challenges that threaten to divide us, I call on my fellow table tennis players to rise to the occasion and fulfill our civic duty to our country.
May the new year bring you hope, and prosperity.
Ting Ledesma
President
Philippine Table Tennis Federation, Inc.