MANILA, Philippines - The City of Mandaluyong and the Philippine Table Tennis Association (PTTA) the other day joined forces to help promote the sport among children aged six to 10 years old.
In simple ceremonies, Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos and PTTA president Ernesto “Jon” Ebuen III forged a deal to work hand in hand for the expansion of table tennis among the city’s city’s children, united in their belief that the “earlier-the-better” mantra applies.
“The PTTA remains positive that with this process, by starting them young, and with high-class training facilities, we will be able to produce world-class athletes,” said Ebuen. “We are committed to make a difference in their lives.”
Abalos has already provided the PTTA with a rental-free facility located at the fourth floor of the Mandaluyong Elementary School in Brgy. Poblacion. He intends to open more table tennis centers to promote interest in the sport.
“We hope to come up with additional centers for the sport,” Abalos said. “Providing us free space is already a great help on the part of the city government,” Ebuen said.
Abalos also praised Ebuen for returning to the country to impart his skills to the children of Mandaluyong. Ebuen is a former six-time champion in the Philippines before moving to the US. He trained Hollywood celebrities like Susan Sarandon, Jennifer Connelly, Michael Landers, Kelly Preston and Judah Friedlander.
At present, there are 18 children aged six to 10 who are under rigid training since August of last year. The children are being trained by Ebuen’s father, Ernesto Ebuen, Jr. Abalos also is urging children to join the free training class done daily from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.