Melissa Tapper and Jake Ballestrino Named National Squad (Para) Co-Captains

TTA and the National Squad (Para) are pleased to announce that trailblazer Melissa Tapper, together with Jake Ballestrino have been named as Co-Captains of the National Squad (Para) for 2020. After recently calling for applications, the appointments were announced at the National Para Camp over the weekend in Victoria.

An excited Ballestrino commented, “I’m humbled and grateful to be appointed as Co-Captain of the National Squad (Para) for 2020. I believe with the guidance of our coaching staff and the huge amount of support we receive both on and off the table, the National Squad (Para) have a fantastic opportunity to collectively work hard, train hard and see significant improvements over the next 7 months in the lead up to the Tokyo Paralympic Games and beyond. Exciting times are ahead for Australian Para Table Tennis”.

Meanwhile Tapper, the first athlete from any sport to represent Australia at both the Paralympic Games and Olympic Games, is equally looking forward to the role. “Being named alongside Jake as a Co-Captain of the National Squad (Para) is a real privilege. I’m looking forward to challenging myself and the team to build a strong, fun, high performance culture that will reap individual and team rewards down the track”.

2020 is a big year for the National Squad (Para), with the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo no doubt the jewel in the crown. We are hopeful of sending our largest ever Paralympic Team and achieving results that show why we are one of the leading Para nations worldwide.

Congratulations Melissa and Jake – we’re sure you’ll do a fantastic job.