Jonathan Cowan from Ireland has been selected as the next voice of table tennis by the ITTF.
The ITTF’s recent search for the next voice of table tennis led to an overwhelming entry from all corners of the globe. The recently held competition gave the public an opportunity to showcase their commentary skills over a pre-recorded match and submit a sound bite in the hope that they would be selected to become the next voice of table tennis.
This competition was designed specifically to meet the growing demands for commentary across itTV, the online video portal for the ITTF that streams an ever-increasing number of matches, including the World Championships and Pro Tours.
The high-caliber of entries led to two voices being selected, one of whom in Jonathan Cowan, with both now having the opportunity to commentate at the Liebherr 2011 World Team Cup, alongside the ITTF’s professional commentator, Don Parker.
Steve Dainton, ITTF Marketing Director, said:
“After an exhaustive and intensive process from the overwhelming number of entries we are pleased to finally announce the winners of the ITTF Voice of table tennis competition.
“Thank you to all those that participated we were very impressed with the level of entries that we received. It truly was a difficult job to find the best so we decided to give two exceptional candidates an opportunity.
“My congratulations go to Sebastian and Jonathan we wish them the best of luck in their debut and who knows, they may even join our team of professional Table Tennis commentators.”
Jonathan Cowan, said:
“I was delighted when I received the news that I would have the opportunity to commentate in Germany. Not only does it enhance my comeback to the table tennis arena since my retirement from competing after the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne 2006, it is great to be part of the worldwide efforts to continue to develop and promote table tennis.”
When asked why he applied Cowan continued:
“I was sent the information by a number of people who have seen me MC and commentate over recent months and years, and I saw it as a very exciting and unique opportunity. No looking back from there!”
The two will now travel to the Magdeburg in Germany, where they will take to the mic and commentate ‘live’ on the action from the LIEBHERR World Team Cup, 3-6 November 2011.
Listen to them at ittf.com/itTV
Jonny Cowan – BIO
Jonny is a graduate of the University of Strathclyde and is currently working as Assistant Chief Executive of GreaterSport Manchester. His table tennis career included spells in both the German and French Leagues and reached its pinnacle with a World Ranking of 365. He was capped many times for Ireland including a World Championship appearance is Osaka, Japan and was Irish ranked Number One and National Champion at all age groups. He also made appearances at two Commonwealth Games.
All involved in Irish table tennis would like to congratulate Jonny on his selection by the ITTF and wish him all the best with his commentating duties.