A team of young Jamaican table tennis players left an indelible mark at the North American Teams Championships in Washington, D.C., from November 29 to December 1, stunning spectators and competitors alike with their talent and determination. Despite having to leave the tournament early to return to Jamaica for school exams, the team—comprising Joel Lamm, Azizi Johnson, Tsenaye Lewis, and Brian Blake—won all their matches and impressed even seasoned international players.

 The team was brought together through the efforts of Michael Henry, a Jamaican-born technologist and former table tennis player who migrated to the U.S. at the age of 12. Inspired by their skill during a visit to Jamaica in September, Henry decided to sponsor the group to compete in one of the biggest table tennis tournaments in the world. He collaborated with Dr. Jide Lewis and Stephen Grant to identify and assemble the team.

 “When I went to Jamaica, I was so impressed with the juniors,” Henry shared. “Jamaica has been struggling in the Caribbean when it comes to table tennis, but I saw that they have the solutions right there. I spoke to Dr. Jide Lewis, who recommended two players of good character, and Stephen Grant introduced me to another talented young man. Their parents were on board, and they managed to secure airfare, while I covered the team’s registration and membership fees.”

 Named Team Black, Green, and Gold, the players faced intense competition in a tournament featuring over 1,100 players and 230 teams. Henry, who has played in the championship since 1999, encouraged the team to focus on their game and not be intimidated by the scale of the event. “They were taken aback by the size of the tournament—over 130 tables and 2,000 people in the arena—but I told them to just play the way they know how, and they did.”

 The team opened their campaign on Friday with preliminary matches to determine their category placement. Once in their division, they dominated on Saturday, defeating Matchpoint TTC2 5-4, AAEA TTC 5-3, Boston TTC Dragon 5-3, and BOBA 5-0. By the end of the day, they had won all five ties and were poised to advance to the finals on Sunday.

 Unfortunately, the team was unable to continue as they had to return home for exams. “They played extremely well, but their education had to come first,” Henry explained. “If they had been able to play on Sunday, I believe they would have made it to the finals.”

 Despite their early departure, the team left a lasting impression. “When I returned to the tournament on Sunday, competitors asked me, ‘Where are your guys? They were looking so good.’ They earned so much respect that a team of Chinese players exchanged jerseys with them—it was a beautiful moment,” Henry recalled.

 The experience not only highlighted the potential of these young players but also underscored the possibilities for Jamaica in table tennis. “These kids are hungry, they’re thirsty, and if given the opportunity, Jamaica can become one of the top countries ruling table tennis in the Caribbean,” Henry said. “They just need the exposure.”

 Team Black, Green, and Gold’s performance at the North American Teams Championships has sparked hope for a brighter future for Jamaican table tennis, proving that with support and opportunities, the island can compete—and excel—on the global stage.