Senior Corner

January/February 2008
By Olga & Stan Kahan,

Co-Chairs, USATT Senior Committee

949-830-6699 (ph) • 949-240-7167 (fax)

natashafeingold@gmail.com

SOME RESULTS FROM OCTOBER 2007

The Huntsman World Senior Games finished in mid-October with 150 players in the various table tennis events. Players came from all over the USA, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Some foreign players, including former world champions, were evidently denied visas and some, obtaining visas, disappeared into the great American West. We all have opinions about these sorts of things, but they are not unknown in international sporting events. Unfortunately, such problems (especially during the first day of the tournament) created unnecessary delays of some matches and headaches for the referee, Tom Miller; tournament directors; and the computer programmer, John Curry.

TOWARDS THE FESTIVE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MEIKLEJOHN NORTH AMERICAN SENIORS TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT

The National Senior Table Tennis Tournament Committee recently re-elected its officers: Chair Olga Feingold Kahan, Tournament Director Ray Kunze, Treasurer Walt Wehrli, Secretary Stanley Kahan, for years 2008/2009 – for the oncoming four star senior tournament June 5-8 and for the preparations for the twentieth anniversary in June 2009.

The achievements of this unique group of organizers in the field of senior table tennis are broadly known throughout the USA and North America. A recent development has emerged: unfortunately, some of the birthday cakes of the committee members no longer have room for the proper number of candles. The mean age of these avid veterans is now 79.25 years. In addition to the re-elected officers, the Committee consists of Bill Meiklejohn, Julius Margolis, Harry Bloom, Herb Gilbert, Len Hauer, and Craig Krum (the 50ish baby of the group).

The committee organizes these senior events on an annual basis; the players who participate in such tournaments range from 40-years-old to 97-years-young. These players are very active and take part in daily sport activities and in table tennis competitions, some on club, inter-club, state, and national levels. The members of the committee are mainly residents of Laguna Woods, CA. However, the volunteers who are involved in various operations for senior table tennis events are from various areas of the USA.

A special booklet, dedicated to this senior organization (its brief history, some interesting moments and photos) will be published for the general public prior to the twentieth anniversary of Meiklejohn North American Seniors, and will be distributed among USATT members and other interested parties.

COME TO RIO: TAKE PART IN THE WORLD VETERANS TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Before senior table tennis players will have an opportunity to bask in the warm and inviting sun of Southern California, let them fly to Rio de Janiero. Hurry up and pencil this historic date: May 24-30, 2008, when the Fourteenth World Veterans Table Tennis Championships will be held in Brazil. According to Hans Westling, WVC President and Vice President of the ITTF Veterans Committee, Rio de Janiero is one of the most attractive and bustling cities in the world with excellent playing conditions, wonderful beaches and spicy food. For details: email veteransrio2008@cbtm.org.br or www.cbtm.org.br

Then after the Meiklejohn North American Seniors (June 5-8, 2008) there will be the second USA International Veterans Championships, in conjunction with the US Open in July— the time of USA Independence Day, the time of celebrations. Results of the first USA International Veterans Championships should appear in the next issue of USATT magazine.

Meanwhile, dear readers, practice table tennis regularly in order to be ready physically and mentally for all those tournaments and championships which are in front of you throughout this upcoming new year, 2008!