Member Associations | 15 Jan 2014

ETTA Chairman Andy SEWARD passes away

AIt is with deep regret that the English Table Tennis Association (ETTA) announces that its Chairman, Andy SEWARD, (69) has passed away suddenly (January 15, 2014). Andy became Chairman of the ETTA following an election in early 2013 and took over the pos

AIt is with deep regret that the English Table Tennis Association (ETTA) announces that its Chairman, Andy SEWARD, (69) has passed away suddenly (January 15, 2014).

Andy became Chairman of the ETTA following an election in early 2013 and took over the post in July 2013. His arrival co-incided with what was probably the most challenging time in the history of the sports national governing body.

The ETTA had failed to secure long-term funding from Sport England and an independent review had shown that the ETTA and the sport were in need of a radical overhaul.

Andy approached this task with dedication, determination and a commitment to ensure that table tennis was put firmly ‘back on the right course’. He set about making fundamental changes to the structure of the organisation; the administration of sport in the regions; the relocation of head office in a purpose-built central building; and introduced major changes to the governance of the sport.

Sara SUTCLIFFE, CEO of the ETTA, said: “In a short period of time as the ETTA Chairman, Andy made a major contribution to the future of English table tennis. He had a vision to make the sport and the ETTA, as its governing body, fit for the 21st century.

“To that end, he worked tirelessly and laid the foundation for the future. The sport of table tennis and the ETTA are indebted to him. He had spent a life time involved in table tennis as a player, umpire, volunteer and representative, but it is likely that the work he has achieved as Chairman of the ETTA will be his lasting legacy and of long-term benefit to the sport and all who participate in it.We are all deeply saddened to have lost a trusted friend and a valued colleague. It is now our responsibility to him to continue the work he was so passionate about and to ensure that his vision for the future of English table tennis becomes a reality.”

Andy SEWARD

Andy graduated with an Honours Degree in Mathematics, Statistics and Computing, and was employed in the IT industry for more than 32 years. He played table tennis in various leagues around the country, including Wirral, Cheltenham and Mendip leagues and represented Somerset in the County Championships Veterans divisions on many occasions.

He held a number of voluntary positions within leagues and counties and was National Councillor for Wiltshire, prior to taking on the role of ETTA Chairman.

Andy qualified as ETTA national umpire in 1989, an ITTF international umpire in 1992, and achieved IU blue badge status in 2004. He officiated at Athens 2004 Olympic Games; and the World Championships in Manchester 1997, Osaka 2001, Paris 2003, Guangzhou 2008.

Andy lived with his family in Wiltshire.

Source: ETTA web site