PRESIDENT of the Jamaica Table Tennis Association (JTTA) Godfrey Lothian hails 2013 as a historic year for table tennis, and says his association is now looking to 2014 with the hope of achieving greater things.

The top man outlined that despite a few glitches along the way it has been a very productive year for him and his team.

“Things have been very good this year. We now have an office which is really good, and despite a few hiccups along the way, I must say it has been an excellent year overall,” he said.

Lothian is pleased with where the association is at this point in time as most things are in place to ensure that the sport takes off.

“Well, let me just say that we are ready to hit the ground running come next year,” he said.

Lothian also told the Jamaica Observer about some of the plans his organisation has up its sleeve for the new year.

“I want to set up some table tennis centres of excellence, one in each parish… as well as a table tennis academy, but you know these things can’t be done without the proper funding.” said the talk show host.

The JTTA achieved its final goal for this year as equipment valued at several million dollars was finally cleared from the wharf and is now in the hands of the association.

The items were on the wharf for approximately five months before the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) stepped in and assisted with the financial arrangements to have them cleared.

The eqiupment, which consistS of rackets, balls, nets and tables, was given to the JTTA by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), through Indian company Stag.

Meanwhile, The JTTA will be hosting its first council meeting on January 4, after which the equipment will be handed out to its affilliated parishes and various communities. The president already has his mind set on the World Championships set to take place in Tokyo Japan in April.

“I am already thinking about the World Championships in April, while hoping to gather some sponsors to strengthen our position,” he explained.