Executive Director's Report

By Teodor "Doru" Gheorghe

I would like to congratulate the 2003 U.S. National Champions and USATT members for participating and making the U.S. Nationals a successful event. I would also like to thank Martin-Kilpatrick and Paddle Palace for being the sponsors for the 2003 U.S. Nationals, and to Table Tennis Pioneers, Martin-Kilpatrick, Paddle Palace, ZeroPong and Newgy for raffle donations. Many thanks to our officials, umpires, volunteers, staff and NATT for helping USATT run this event.

I would like to give some information about our Strategic Plan milestones for 2004. Here are some of the milestones:

• Nominate the coaches for Junior and Cadet National Teams.

• Junior and cadet teams participate in two International Youth Opens, Worlds, and one training camp overseas.

• Develop a scholarship program action plan and strategy.

• Post bid information on USATT web page about Regional Training Centers.

• Conduct three coaching seminars.

• Nominate the national and regional coaching Directors.

• Develop the USATT coaches web page.

• Establish the criteria and date of implementation for stipends and financial incentives based on performance and coach incentives.

I will keep you posted on the status of these milestones in my future reports.

This year is an Olympic year and all our Elite athletes are focusing on making the Olympic Team. The Trials for singles is over and I would like to congratulate those who made the Team and wish good luck to all of you who will participate in the Olympic Trials for doubles.