Livingston Scott, Star Writer

The Jamaica Table Tennis Association (JTTA) was forced to borrow US$3,500 to cover part of the cost of expenses to send a national junior team to participate in the Caribbean mini-cadets and pre-cadets Table Tennis Championships now on in Puerto Rico.

The team travelled to the Caribbean island yesterday, but JTTA President Godfrey Lothian told Star Sports that the cash-strapped association had to borrow funds to ensure that the juniors did not miss the tournament.

"Now the association is in debt of close to $600,000," he said.

The full contingent did not travel as only four officials and six players were named. However, the table tennis boss argued that giving young players experience such as this is invaluable and it would have been a massive setback to not participate.

"Some of our better players have to be left behind because of the constraints financially. At this time, we have airfare for 10 persons. It's a massive setback as we had hopes of starting this new drive and organising ourselves around these young, good players. We expected one of these youngsters who was left behind to medal.

"This is where the pillar of Jamaica table tennis is built - at the Under-9, Under-11, Under-13 and Under-15; and if we cannot participate at tournaments around the world at this level, our future is dark," he added.

Head coach, Stephen Grant, whose team includes Clive Grossett and Rohan Schloss, says while he is concerned about anxiety in the young group, he expects them to do well.

"We didn't get to carry a few players but the rest of the team is in high spirits and they are working together. We should do well, although we are not guaranteeing anything," he said.

"My biggest concern is the nerves because it is their first time away, and most of the other kids are actually seasoned players. We hope to come back with a medal, but this is a great experience for them and the exposure will do them well," he said.