Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor (Photos Courtesy of Sima Limoochi (3/17/2008)

ITTF publications to the fore in Iran

Twenty enthusiastic female coaches attended the Alzahara Physical Education College in Iran from 9th to 12th March 2008 to attend an International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Level One Coaches Course under the expert direction of the host country's Sima Limoochi.

Organised independently of the ITTF Development Programme at the only university in Iran exclusively for women, the course underlines the far reaching effects of recent initiatives designed by the International Table Tennis Federation; two items in particular were on the agenda, the introduction of more people to the field of coaching and the promotion of the female cause.

Lasting four days the course was divided equally between theory and practical sessions.

Rewarding
It was for Sima Limoochi a most rewarding experience. "When the work at hand is the global development of table tennis and a goal has been set through detailed planning, you can hear a sweet-sounding bell ring from every corner of the world", she explained.

A goal set and undoubtedly reached in Iran with the sound of the bell ringing peals of congratulations.

Highly Qualified
Most of those present held doctorates or masters degrees in physical education; which naturally added to the quality of the course.

"The qualifications of the members actively helped the dynamic nature of the course as they shared their knowledge and experiences", explained Sima Limoochi. "Especially in the practical sections where they even gave up their break time to profit from the opportunity."

No doubt the fact that there was so much enthusiasm can be attributed to the motivational skills of Sima Limoochi.

Timing
"The timing of the course was great since the new semester will start in two weeks, after Persian New Year holidays", continued Sima Limoochi. "The coaches will be able to apply the knowledge gained when the new term starts."

Attire
A further fact that was of help to Sima Limoochi is that all members were female.

"So, they were totally involved in practical activities and did not have to worry about their clothes", said Simi Limoochi. "In this respect we must congratulate the approach of the ITTF Development Programme; it respects the religious and cultural beliefs of all nations, assigning female conductors for female coaches."

Equal Opportunities
Dr. Talebpour, the Director of Physical Education Department, attended the Opening Ceremony and as he had done at the course held at the Amir Kabir University in Tehran in February, he stressed the importance of the courses and the fact that men and women should be treated equally in such situations.

"Also, Ms. Giyahi, the director of Table Tennis for Women in Ministry of Science and Dr. Osanloo the Chairwoman of Physical Education College of Alzahra University and some veterans also attended", continued Sima Limoochi. "The Level One Manual was available to al and this gave everyone a feeling of belonging to the International Table Tennis Federation event."

Important and simply brings more people into the table tennis family, the sense of unity adds strength to the sport and its future.

Good Sound
"The sound of ITTF Development Programme bell is echoing here in Iran and there were many requests for another course", said Sima Limoochi. "The next course will be held again in early June 2008 in Tehran for the Islamic Countries, organized by Islamic Federation for Women in Sports."

Thanks
A very successful course led by Sima Limoochi.

"I would like to sincerely thank all the supporters of this movement in the International Table Tennis Federation, especially Glenn Tepper and my dear friends", she said. "We look forward to seeing the bright and promising future for the sport in the whole world; also special thanks go to Ministry of Science, Research and Technology of Iran plus Alzahra University for their kind efforts."

Fine Initiative
Certainly a joint effort, everyone working together to promote table tennis and encourage more female participation, it was a fine initiative and very successful.
 

Course Members at the Alzahara Physical Education College in Iran
Photo courtesy of Sima Limoochi

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