Russell steps down
Russell steps down
March 11, 2010
Section: Sport
KAHLIA BEICHERT
kbeichert@northernleader.com.au
FIGTREE’s Alan Russell has recently retired as Illawarra Table Tennis Association president after more than 30 years in the job, having spent most of his 62 years playing table tennis and is a driving force behind the sport’s success in the Illawarra.
The Figtree resident has been playing since he was six and now plays for the Shellharbour Workers’ Club Saints. He has been Illawarra champion four times but said his proudest moment was in 2008 captaining the NSW squad to an Australian Championships title.
“At my age, I’m quite proud of that,” he said.
Mr Russell started attending board meetings as a member before being elected president of the association in 1976.
“I thought I’d go to these committee meetings to see what’s going on and then I just kept going,” he said.
Mr Russell faced an uphill battle as president trying to grow a small sport.
“There’s a move away from most sports, many kids are just not getting involved,” he said.
“The other issue is getting enough venues – we have to hire our facilities.”
Mr Russell had many achievements during his time as president.
“I think the biggest thing was to get away from the home-and-away club basis and move into one venue,” he said.
“Not everyone liked it, but doing that helped us survive.”
Mr Russell decided to retire this year to spend time travelling with his wife.
“With a sport, even though you might just play for a season, the administration is all year round,” he said.
Mr Russell said he would continue playing for the love of the sport.
“It keeps me fit and active,” he said.
“It’s the challenge of going out and trying to beat somebody.”
Comment count: 1
I have lived in the Illawarra the best part of 40 yrs and never knew there was an Illawarra Table Tennis Association. How does one get in contact with them?