Attila Malek had a dream. The former US National Champion dreamed of bringing the same joy to kids that he experienced from his lifelong sport of table tennis. Being an elite athlete and USA Table Tennis Nationally Certified coach, he knew his dream was not going to be easy to solidify from his high aspirations. Knowing that table tennis is the National Sport of many nations around the world, but that few junior development training programs exist in the United States, he knew he was facing odds of not only getting his unique program noticed by area children, but of getting table tennis the recognition it deserves as an Olympic sport.

With two strikes against him, Malek threw caution to the wind and pursued his vision. His table tennis training center, Power Pong, will host a tournament in September, and the winners will walk away with more than a trophy and bragging rights, they will compete for college scholarship money. Malek’s vision encompasses teaching Orange County kids to loop forehands, smash lobs, and strive for a higher education. Malek wants to improve the lives of kids through learning a sport that could afford them the opportunity to go to the Olympics, and Malek knows what it takes to be a champion. However, his vision extends beyond producing athletes without the intelligence to use their budding athleticism wisely.

Malek states, "Power Pong remains the only faciltiy of its kind in Southern California. The primary purpose of my training center is to properly develop juniors in table tennis without losing track of other importances in life." Judging by the recent results of a few of his pupils, Attila is on the right track. Attila’s pupils include California State Junior Champions Arthur Asuncion (U-19), Michael Amren (U-16), Peter Randall (U-15), and US Open Champion Danny Tran (U-1500).

USA Table Tennis, the national governing body for the sport of table tennis in the US, is very pleased with Malek’s endeavors. "We fully support what Attila has accomplished and what his vision means in terms of creating a top pipeline for future Olympians in table tennis," says Ben Nisbet, Executive Director of USA Table Tennis. "Our mission to produce elite athletes and develop grassroots programs is served completely by Attila’s after school program. We couldn’t be happier about Power Pong."

For more information about Power Pong and the programs offered, call 714-549-0925 or inquire at 873 W. 15^th Street, Newport Beach, CA, 92663.