Golden experience for Ibrahim Jundi at Quebec Games

For the 14 year old athlete of Lebanese origin, the pleasure of playing and meeting other players was more important than the results. "We slept in classrooms and had a lot of fun,” said Jundi at Jean-Baptiste-Meilleur School where the tournament took place. “Everything was very well organized."

The young athlete did not make it to the podium, however, but with pride he represented the Lac-Saint-Louis region in the less than age 15 category. After having lost his three preliminary matches, Jundi made gains with 15-2, 15-4 and 15-6 in the first elimination round, against Philippe Delisle from the Charlevoix area. It was then downhill in front of his subsequent adversary in the quarterfinals.

"It was rather difficult,” he said acknowledging that he started to play table tennis in an intensive way only this summer at the Claude-Robillard Centre. “I expected that the players are at my level. I would have liked to win a medal."

None the other Lac-Saint-Louis area players won medals in table tennis in the 42nd finals of the Quebec Games, which ends today.

Table tennis allowed for spectacular matches during which participants do a lot of running. Some 20 tables were organized in the Jean-Baptiste-Meilleur School gymnasium, which made it possible for 40 young people to play at the same time.

"It was very well organized,” said Jundi, who was delighted by his experience. “Because there were many tables, we could practice on those which were available between our matches. The organizers prepared everything so that it went well."

Training approximately eight hours per week, Jundi hoped to improve his standing in Quebec, by beating better positioned players. His participation in the Quebec Games gave him confidence. (Translated by Michael Beigleman)