The Pan American Table Tennis Training and Development Center (CETMA) has officially launched at the Table Tennis Palace in Santo Domingo’s Parque del Este, aiming to bridge the technical performance gap across the Americas.
Regional Training Camp Scheduled for November
The center’s inaugural program is set to run from November 3 to November 24, 2026. This first camp will host 28 athletes representing 12 different countries. During the three-week session, these participants will receive instruction from a staff of 12 coaches. The project is supported by a coalition of international and local organizations, including Panam Sports, the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), and the Dominican Ministry of Sports.
German Partnership and Technical Development
The establishment of CETMA is part of a broader collaborative effort announced in August 2026 between the ITTF and the German Olympic Sports Confederation. Under this agreement, specialists from the German Table Tennis Association are tasked with delivering technical courses across the Americas, with the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Mexico serving as the primary sites for these training initiatives.
Juan Vila, president of ITTF Americas, stated that the center will utilize a group of six qualified international and local technicians to provide ongoing support for the programs. The facility in Parque del Este was selected for its capacity to host both international-level training and competitive events.
Future Objectives for CETMA
The project aims to standardize coaching methodologies and improve the detection of young talent across the region. By centralizing resources in Santo Domingo, the ITTF intends to create a sustainable pipeline for athletes and coaches who previously lacked access to consistent, high-level technical preparation. Gary Hernández, who oversees the general direction of the center, noted that the initiative is expected to have a significant positive impact on the growth of the sport within the Dominican Republic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to participate in the training programs?
The center is designed to support the development of athletes and coaches from across the Americas. The inaugural November 2026 camp features 28 athletes selected from 12 different nations to participate in intensive training sessions.
What is the role of the German Olympic Sports Confederation in this project?
The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) is a key partner in this regional initiative. Specialists from the German Table Tennis Association provide the technical expertise and coaching curriculum used to train athletes and local instructors in the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Mexico.
Where is the new training facility located?
The center is housed within the Table Tennis Palace, located in the Parque del Este in Santo Domingo. This venue was chosen specifically because it meets the necessary standards for hosting international training camps and high-level competitions.
Related reading