São Paulo, Brazil – The vibrant atmosphere of the Paralympic training center in São Paulo has been buzzing with excitement as athletes from across the Americas gather for a groundbreaking Para Table Tennis training camp. Among the participants are Canadian athletes Peter Isherwood and Thulir Hector, who shared their experiences and insights during this unique opportunity.
This training camp marks a significant milestone as it is the first time the Americas have hosted such an event, which has traditionally taken place in Europe or Asia. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Americas extended invitations to 25 athletes from countries including Brazil, Venezuela, Chile, Guatemala, the USA, and Canada. The camp serves as a precursor to the upcoming Brazil Open, providing athletes with invaluable training and competition experience.
Peter Isherwood, a seasoned competitor, expressed his enthusiasm for the camp. “Overall, the experience has been amazing,” he said. “In Canada, Table Tennis, especially for para athletes, isn’t as prominent, making it challenging to find quality coaching and training opportunities.” He emphasized the importance of training alongside a diverse group of para athletes, which has enriched his experience and skill development.
When asked about the most beneficial aspects of the camp, Peter highlighted the collaborative environment. “It’s not just about one specific training session; it’s about being in a room full of para athletes and learning from each other,” he noted. The presence of experienced coaches has also been a significant advantage, allowing athletes to absorb knowledge and techniques that are often hard to come by back home.
The camaraderie among the Canadian team has been a source of motivation for Peter. “The mood is great,” he shared. “Having a young athlete with us, who is participating in her second international competition, adds to the team spirit. It’s wonderful to see everyone sharing their knowledge and experiences.”
Peter’s personal goals for the camp revolve around soaking up as much information as possible from the coaches. He reflected on his growth, stating, “I’ve developed a level of patience and confidence that I didn’t have before. I feel more competitive and capable of playing with various players.”
The highlight of Peter’s experience has been the opportunity to train with fellow Canadian players. “Table Tennis is often an individual sport, so having a small team here to support each other has been fantastic,” he said. He also expressed gratitude for the Venezuelan coach who helped him during a challenging time at the Paris 2024 tournament, reinforcing the bonds formed through shared experiences.
For Thulir Hector, this training camp is a first with the national team, who embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. “This training camp has been great. I got to learn new skills, meet new people, and become more independent,” the athlete shared with us.
Thulir’s passion for Table Tennis shines through : “I love Table Tennis because I can play it year-round, travel all over the world, meet new people, and gain experiences that will help me in the future.” The personal goals for the camp include improving skills, working hard, and making the most of the experience.
The highlight of Thulir’s time at the camp has been the connections made. “Getting to know new people, training with them, and experiencing the different cultures and languages has been my favorite part,” the player said, reflecting the spirit of unity and diversity that the camp embodies.
Athletes like Peter Isherwood and Thulir Hector are not only honing their skills but also building lasting friendships and gaining invaluable experiences. This is paving the way for future competitions and fostering a sense of community among para athletes across the Americas.
