Double boost for fast-moving GTTA

THE island's fastest-growing sport is celebrating a double boost. The Guernsey Table Tennis Association has secured the services of development officer Rebecca O'Keefe for another year and the island senior women's team have been accepted into the British League for the forthcoming season.

The sport feared that O'Keefe's initial one-season contract might not be renewed, but with encouragement from the Sports Development Unit, Welsh woman O'Keefe has put pen to paper on a new 10-month, 30 hours per week deal.

The news has been welcomed by GTTA president Derek Webb and the SDU.

Graham Chester, the island's sports development manager, said 'she has done a brilliant job'.

'It would have been a shame if she had to leave what she had started.

'We are more than happy with the way table tennis is progressing,' he added.

O'Keefe, who is currently away from the island, has built a strong rapport with both young players and their parents,' said Webb.

'It would have left a void had she not stayed on,' he said, adding that she will be busier than ever following the recruiting of another 36 youngsters from the association's latest introduction initiative with the SDU.

Webb is also excited at the prospect of the island women following the senior men into the British League.

'The men had a fantastic first season and although the girls will be going away for only two weekends, compared to the men's four, it will help lift standards,' said the sport's supremo.

The GTTA is also looking forward to its first season when all competitive table tennis is played under one roof at their new Guernsey Bowls Stadium headquarters.