
By Robert Balajadia
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!


GPS Sports Calendar
February 2025
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
- 26
- 27
- 28
- 29
- 30
- 31
- 1
Events for January
1st
LEGACY SPIKEFEST TOURNAMENT
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
H.S. RUGBY
H.S. GIRLS SOFTBALL
Events for February
1st
Events for February
4th
H.S. GIRLS SOFTBALL
H.S. TENNIS
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
H.S. BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
5th
H.S. BOYS BASKETBALL
H.S. RUGBY
Events for February
6th
H.S. GIRLS SOFTBALL
ISA H.S. TENNIS
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Events for February
7th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
H.S. BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
8th
SINDALU NINJA GAMES
H.S. RUGBY
H.S. GIRLS SOFTBALL
Events for February
9th
Events for February
11th
H.S. GIRLS SOFTBALL
ISA H.S. TENNIS
H.S. BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
11th
Events for February
13th
H.S. GIRLS SOFTBALL
ISA H.S. TENNIS
Events for February
15th
H.S. RUGBY
H.S. GIRLS SOFTBALL
Events for February
15th
Events for February
16th
Events for February
18th
H.S. GIRLS SOFTBALL
ISA H.S. TENNIS
H.S. BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
20th
ISA H.S. TENNIS
FIBA BASKETBALL: GUAM VS. MONGOLIA
Events for February
21st
H.S. BOYS BASKETBALL
H.S. RUGBY PLAYOFFS
Events for February
22nd
H.S. RUGBY
H.S. GIRLS SOFTBALL SEMIFINALS
Events for February
23rd
Events for February
25th
ISA H.S. TENNIS
H.S. BOYS BASKETBALL

Volleyball
BOYS BEACH VOLLEYBALL HEATS UP
