Passion And Perserverance Pays Off

After nine years of committing to a sport he loves, 17-year-old James Hargest student Damian Mitchell’s dedication and tenacity has finally paid off.

In his final year in the junior ranks Damian took home the much sought after A Grade Open Men’s Singles title at the recent Southland Residential Table Tennis Championships in Invercargill.

His impressive 4-3 victory over his opponent in the final, Finn Holden, was testament to his endurance.

Mitchell also notched up two more titles at the event as he won the Under 21 Men’s Singles and the Under 21 Men’s Doubles with his team mate Caleb Duffy.

Damian attributes his success to the opportunities provided by former Table Tennis Southland Development Officer, Carolyn Geraghty, and coaching over the years from Ben Duffy, Shelley Smith and Barry Ellis.

Mitchell also trains regularly for his black belt in karate, a sport that has helped him build his stamina.

Damian is now in training for the New Zealand National Table Tennis Championships which will be held in Tauranga during October.