Some Twenty years ago a talented youngster was feeling the nerves as he was about to represent Jersey for the first time in the 1995 Gibraltar Island Games. He no doubt found encouragement by walking away with a Bronze medal in the team event. Little did he know what his dedication and passion for Table Tennis would result in over the years to come…
As a world ranked player, Paul Marshall went on to compete in two Commonwealth TT Championships, two World Championships and represented Jersey as a competitor in a further four Island Games. His medal haul includes two additional Bronze medals – in the team event in Jersey 1997 and the Mixed Doubles event in Rhodes 2007. The most notable win of his sporting career was at the 2005 Shetland Island Games. He won Jersey’s first and only Table Tennis Gold medal to-date, in the Men’s Doubles event with Eugene Ellis, against a strong home pairing. Paul also met his now-wife Josie, a fellow Table Tennis player representing her home Island at the event. Effectively winning Gold twice!
Despite an undying hunger for competition and victory, nine months ago Paul started a new chapter in his Table Tennis story as he took on the role of Team Manager for the Island Games Table Tennis Team, stating,
“I’m extremely excited and honoured to be part of the Jersey 2015 Island Games! The table tennis team have been training hard and can’t wait to get out there to compete for those prestigious medals. There is a real buzz and the excitement is building. Also, as the host Island we have the opportunity to demonstrate how much Jersey has to offer.”
Paul hopes to share his wealth of experience, both on and off the table with the six-strong team. As Head of Business Change at Prosperity 24.7, Paul has extensive knowledge in planning and managing projects and engaging stakeholders; skills he has exercised in preparation for this year’s Games. Paul now turns his attention to providing the team with strategic input, whilst mentoring some of the team’s young yet experienced players in the final few days – building up to the first game against Alderney on Sunday.
Since becoming Team Manager Paul has been acting as an ambassador for Table Tennis and the Island Games at every opportunity. Recent events include a school visit to JCG Prep to share stories of past Games, showing kit from previous year’s and letting a lucky few try on his medals. Prosperity 24.7 have continually encouraged Paul along this journey, as they do with all their dedicated employees striving to achieve greatness – supporting them both in and out of working hours.
“As a organisation that fully supports the community, all of us at Prosperity 24.7 are very proud of Paul and offer our full and continued support throughout his Island Games endeavours. We would also like to wish all competitors the very best of luck.” added Chief Learning Officer, Geraldine Evans.
Prosperity 24.7 welcome all of the teams, competitors and travelling spectators to Jersey once again. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Jersey at its best; forging new business relationships and making lasting friendships with those from other Islands.
Paul added “I’m really looking forward to making new friends and catching up with old rivals during the week. Let’s all do Jersey proud and make this a Games to remember; the table tennis team will certainly do their best as they aim for Gold.”
If you are at FB Fields during the week please do drop into the Geoff Reed Table Tennis Centre between Sunday 28th June and Friday 3rd July to support Paul and the Jersey team during their ‘time to shine’ and do say hello to Paul if you see him.
You can find all the up-to-date Island Games information at the following websites:
Paul Marshall is a highly experienced PM professional who has run numerous programmes/projects within a diverse range of industries, and can bring valuable experience to make your programme/project a success. Paul is also a PMO guru, championing effective change and governance.
Give us a call or e-mail to discuss how we at Prosperity 24.7 can help manage your projects +44 (0) 1534 877247 or enquiries@prosperity247.com
