Yaounde: Israel donates sporting equipment to boost table tennis game.

The donation which seeks to improve access to the sport and nurturing of young talent, was publicly presented during a ceremony held Sunday, July 27, at the 101 Military Air Base in Yaounde.

The Israeli Ambassador to Cameroon, His Excellency Amnon Kalmar, handed the items to officials of the sports club before local sports promoters, youth leaders as well as top government officials.

The Inspector General at the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education, Michel Dissake Mbarga, represented his boss at the event. It was also attended by the Commander of the 101 Military Air Base, Colonel Essame Eso’o Nguele.

The equipment package consisting of competition-grade tables, rackets, nets, and player kits, officials reveal, is expected to significantly increase the number of facilities available for table tennis in the capital city.

It will also serve as a springboard for discovering and developing future champions in the sport.

Speaking shortly after the donation, the Israeli Ambassador to Cameroon explained the symbolism behind the initiative.

The diplomat disclosed that: “The name Be'eri for the sport club expresses the good connection, and the warm cooperation between Israel and Cameroon through sport, through table tennis”.

The senior diplomat then expressed optimism about the future impact of the club. 

“I hope that the children, future generation, will come here to train, to learn and succeed now and in the future. And I am proud of the contribution of the Israeli Embassy, and I am sure that one day, a future table tennis champion will come from here,” Ambassador Amnon declared.

When quizzed on the meaning of the name of the club, the Ambassador explained that: “Be’eri is a small locality in the south of the State of Israel that suffered on October 7, 2023, when terrorists from the terrorist organisation, Hamas killed and kidnapped civilians and made great damage to the residents of the State of Israel”.

Following the ambassador’s remarks, the representative of the Ministry of Sports expressed government’s appreciation for the gesture. 

He commended the Embassy for strengthening bilateral ties through sport, describing the collaboration as a symbol of true friendship and solidarity.

“We thank His Excellency and his team for this wonderful initiative. The bond between Cameroon and Israel continues to grow stronger through actions like these,” the minister’s representative said.

Michel Dissake Mbarga also addressed the young beneficiaries directly, encouraging them to strive for balance between sports and academics. 

“While you train to be great sportsmen and women, don’t forget to match excellence on the field with discipline in your studies. The future belongs to those who are strong in both mind and body,” the official concluded.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3518 of Tuesday July 29, 2025