
By Robert Balajadia
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Guam’s smallest populated sports team competing in the 2014 Micro Games in Pohnpei is by far not it’s least competitive. With only four players on the roster the table tennis team is ready to dig deep and make some noise with each player just eager to showcase their skills.
2014 Micro Games Table Tennis Roster
Norby Ocampo (player coach)
Arman Burgos
Colleen Simpson
Frank Candaso
The team runs practices over three hour stretches over twice a week to sharpen their skills and heighten their awareness to get ready for the games.
Arman Burgos is the only member on the roster with Micro Games experience having competed in 2010 and he’s just out to improve from the 2010 trip where nerves got the best of him.
“I’m hoping to at least win in the first round,” Burgos admitted. “I thought I was really good at the time, but the nerves got to me. It was only second international competition.”
Burgos is no stranger to international competition having competed in the 2009 East Asian Games, 2010 Micro Games, 2011 South Pacific Games and 2014 Championships in Japan along with teammate Norby Ocampo.
Ocampo is focused on just making sure his team performs at their best.
“We’re making sure we practice what we’re good at and use it as one of our tools to win this. We also practice all our flaws to add balance in our game,” said Ocampo on the daily training. “I make sure I practice my forearm since that’s what I’m most good at.”
Competitors Frank Candaso and Colleen Simpson are of the older bunch to be competing in the games, but they are just as eager and every bit of excited as the other athletes, especially since this will be a first time for both of them.
“I’ve been playing table tennis for a long time and I’m an ‘old school’ player. I’m very proud to be selected and I appreciate the cooperation by people to help send me there. This is going to be a learning experience and I hopefully I get something to bring back here,” said Candaso.
“It’s exciting to just go and represent Guam. It’s going to be a lot of fun and a great learning experience. We just do the best we can and I think the idea is just to be rested and stay loose. We’re going to see new things so for us we just have to learn to adapt,” said Simpson.
The rigorous hours that have gone into training is all part of making the players feel as comfortable as they can through all the emotions the tournament is sure to bring.
Both Ocampo and Burgos described how they’re going to know their in a groove in the game
“If I’m able to return all my opponents shots despite him giving me a different spin, that’s how I know I’m in a rhythm,” said Ocampo
“I usually just play off instinct, but when I’m feeling good I think my spin starts to have a special kick. I feel like I can do anything, but I do know my limitations,” said Burgos.
Team Guam’s table tennis team will be looking to get into groove all tournament long and the youthful exuberance that Candaso and Simpson display are inspiring to all. That, and the fact that they are still hoping to give back to the table tennis community.
“Whatever I learn out there I’m going to bring back here and teach these kids how to play the real game,” ended Candaso. Guam is rooting for you!


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GPS Sports Calendar
June 2022
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for May
31st
Events for June
2nd
Events for June
4th
35th Most Beautiful Run 5-Miler
Youth Football League
Events for June
5th
Youth Football League
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
5th
Events for June
9th
FIBA MICRONESIAN CUP 2022
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
10th
FIBA MICRONESIAN CUP 2022
GLORIFIED SPARRING 9
Events for June
11th
FUNCTIONAL FITNESS LEAGUE: Round 1
APL RACE FIESTA
Youth Football League
FIBA MICRONESIAN CUP 2022 FINALS
Events for June
12th
APL RACE FIESTA
Youth Football League
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
GSPN HIGH SCHOOL BOYS VOLLEYBALL ALL-STAR GAME
Events for June
14th
Events for June
17th
PACIFIC MINI GAMES
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
18th
PACIFIC MINI GAMES
Youth Football League
Events for June
19th
PACIFIC MINI GAMES
Youth Football League
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
20th
PACIFIC MINI GAMES
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
21st
PACIFIC MINI GAMES
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
23rd
PACIFIC MINI GAMES
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
24th
PACIFIC MINI GAMES
FD Alumni Basketball Tournament
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
25th
PACIFIC MINI GAMES
GUAM NINJA COMPETITION
YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE
FD Alumni Basketball Tournament
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
26th
YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE
FD Alumni Basketball Tournament
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
27th
FD Alumni Basketball Tournament
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
28th
FD Alumni Basketball Tournament
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
30th
FD Alumni Basketball Tournament
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE

Bowling
JUNE KING & PRINCE OF THE LANES

Basketball
FD ALMUNI HOOPS TOURNEY IN FULL SWING

Football
ANGELS LAY CLAIM AS BEST IN MATUA

Baseball
CNMI WINS ANOTHER BASEBALL CLASSIC

Football
ANGELS LAY CLAIM AS BEST IN MATUA

Baseball
BASEBALL: GUAM TAKES DOWN PALAU
Foody’s Fun Facts
Foody’s Fun Facts with Arren Yatar
UOG Tritons Pitcher Arren Yatar shares some of his fun facts and tells us about his favorite YouTube channel!
Foody’s Fun Facts
Foody’s Fun Facts with Arren Yatar
UOG Tritons Pitcher Arren Yatar shares some of his fun facts and tells us about his favorite YouTube channel!
COMING SOON …
- Asia Pacific Little League
- National Triathlon Championships
- GML Makeup Games
- FD Alumni Basketball Tournament (ongoing)