Auch, France – A celebration marked the 100th birthday of François Turchetti, a pioneering figure in French table tennis, held recently in Auch, Gers. The event drew numerous local officials and table tennis enthusiasts, honoring Turchetti’s lasting impact on the sport.
Turchetti, founder of the CP Auch table tennis club in 1947, was recognized for his dedication and contribution to the development of table tennis in the region. The festivities included a special message from Félix Lebrun, a current star in the sport, which prompted a recollection from Turchetti regarding a past request to the President of Hérault to host French table tennis players.According to Turchetti, the President responded with a promise to arrange a demonstration by “the brothers,” a reference to prominent players of the time.
The ceremony culminated in a standing ovation and a musical performance featuring the accordion - an instrument favored by Turchetti’s family after World War II – followed by a celebratory gathering. Attendees included christian Laprébende, the mayor of Auch, and Bernard Pensivy, president of the Agglo. Despite his age, Turchetti continues to serve as the honorary president of the club and remains an active presence in the table tennis community.
