The European and international table tennis community mourns the passing of Joe VESELSKY, ETTU Badge of Honor holder, who died on January 3 at the remarkable age of 107. Born in 1918 in Trnava, former Czechoslovakia, Joe VESELSKY’S life spanned more than a century of history, marked by resilience, courage, and an unwavering dedication to sport particularly table tennis, which remained a constant thread throughout his extraordinary journey. A gifted sportsman from an early age, VESELSKY rose to become a high-ranking table tennis player in his youth. Despite the upheaval of war and personal tragedy, table tennis remained both a passion and a platform through which he connected people and communities. After the Second World War, he went on to captain the Czechoslovak national table tennis team, representing his country at the highest level during a challenging political era. Joe’s life was profoundly shaped by history. At the age of 20, following Hitler’s invasion of Czechoslovakia, he joined the Resistance, surviving the war in the Carpathian Mountains. His parents and elder brother were murdered in Auschwitz, a loss that left an indelible mark on his life. For his bravery, he was later awarded the Order of the Slovak National Uprising. In 1949, Joe and his wife Katarina (Kathy) escaped the post-war political regime and emigrated to Ireland, where, despite having little English and no business background, he established a successful jewellery business. Ireland would become his lifelong home and the stage for his lasting contribution to table tennis. VESELSKY played a central role in the development of the sport in his adopted country, eventually becoming Life President of the Irish Table Tennis Association. His impact extended beyond the playing arena into administration and governance, where he was widely respected for his integrity, vision, and tireless service. In recognition of this legacy, the Joe VESELSKY Award was established to honour endeavour and achievement in table tennis administration within Ireland. His lifelong commitment to sport was also recognised internationally. In 2021, the Slovak government awarded him the Order of the White Double Cross for his services to sport, while the ETTU Badge of Honor acknowledged his outstanding contribution to European table tennis. He was awarded with the BoH at the Congress in Zadar 2025. Even in later years, Joe remained intellectually and socially active. Known as Ireland’s oldest student, he attended courses at Trinity College Dublin, which awarded him an Honorary Degree in 2016, alongside distinguished figures such as Professor Peter HIGGS. Joe VESELSKY’S life stands as a testament to the unifying power of sport, the endurance of the human spirit, and the values that table tennis seeks to promote across generations. He is survived by his children Peter and Kate, and by a legacy that will continue to inspire the table tennis community in Europe and beyond. Funeral Service to celebrate Josef’s life will be held on Wednesday 7th January at 10am in the Victorian Chapel, Mount Jerome Crematorium, Harold’s Cross, DUBLIN D6WHY98. For those who cannot attend, the service can be viewed online using this link . Photo: Courtesy of the Irish Table Tennis Association

A historic moment for Greek table tennis is unfolding at the Peace and Friendship Stadium, where the Hellenic Table Tennis Federation (HTTF) has launched its first-ever training camp exclusively for girls, aimed at strengthening female participation in the sport. The Christmas Girls’ Training Camp officially began on January 2, welcoming the new year in a warm and festive atmosphere. Twelve selected young athletes, born between 2012 and 2015, arrived full of enthusiasm, quickly embracing this special initiative and the carefully prepared welcome by the federation. Blending high-level training with a celebratory spirit, the camp will run until Monday, January 5 and represents a key milestone in the federation’s three-year development program, supported by both the European Table Tennis Union and the International Table Tennis Federation. Greece is currently participating in the first phase of the program through the National Project. The opening day delivered powerful images. Greek legend Kallinikos KREANGA personally welcomed the athletes alongside the federation’s administrative staff. Former champions Despoina DANDOULA, Maria MIROU, and Archontoula VOLAKAKI were introduced as part of the coaching team, reconnecting the young generation with the sport’s recent history. A special moment followed during the first training session, attended by national team players Katerina TOLIOU, Malamatenia PAPADIMITRIOU, and Ioanna GERASIMATOU, who shared advice and encouragement with the girls. Later, members of the men’s national team — Giannis SGOUROPOULOS, Giorgos KONSTANTINOPOULOS, and Tasos RINIOTIS — visited the camp, greeting the participants and offering words of motivation. The event was officially opened in the presence of HTTF Chair Panagiotis TZOVOLOS, General Secretary Giorgos VRETTAKOS, Technical Committee President Katerina SPANOU, who coordinated the camp, and Special Secretary Ioanna MORAITOU. Addressing the athletes and their families, TZOVOLOS emphasized the importance of early development and encouraged the girls to view the camp as a celebration. He also conveyed greetings from Greece’s top player Panagiotis GIONIS, who could not attend but sent signed autographs. KREANGA was welcomed with prolonged applause. He urged the young athletes to enjoy the game, reminding them that “table tennis is a sport where complaining has no place.” He signed autographs and gifted each participant a commemorative towel bearing his name. A festive setting filled the hall, with light pink event T-shirts, Christmas gifts, mugs, posters, sweets, and music enhancing the atmosphere. The camp is led by Technical Advisor and former Greek champion Chrysoula TOURSOUNIDOU, assisted by Varvara PAVLAKI, supported by an all-female coaching staff that also includes Christina FILI. Additional activities such as Pilates, athletics, first aid sessions, and holiday-themed entertainment further enrich the experience, with all contributors volunteering their time. Members of the women’s national team, including Elisavet TERPOU, as well as Balkan champions George STAMATOUROS and Konstantinos KONSTANTINOPOULOS, are also expected to take part during the camp.