In the megahit Broadway show "Hamilton," the eponymous founding father sings to his young son Philip, born during the Revolutionary War: "If we build a strong enough foundation, we'll pass it on to you, we'll give the world to you, and you'll blow us all away." Such is the power of a foundation, an enduring structure built to withstand the shifting winds of politics, culture and society. We see such visionary thinking on display in Ghana, where one of the nation's star table tennis players is laying the groundwork to support future generations. Felix Lartey, a fixture of the Ghanaian national team for the last decade, sees great potential in the paddle-wielding youth of his country but laments the lack of structure to support them. "If there is a table tennis competition and there is no player from my community, I will be very sad," said Lartey. "I also realized that no player in my community had formed a foundation to groom players." "Be the change you wish to see in the world," suggested Mahatma Gandhi, and so Lartey did. On October 12, the Felix Lartey Foundation officially opened its doors in his hometown of Jamestown, Ghana, dedicated to turning young players into champions. "I decided to set the pace for others to follow," Lartey explained. "My key plan is to ensure that the kids take their education seriously and combine it with table tennis. I will ensure that my colleagues in the game come around to train with them consistently." Indeed, early returns are very promising: at least 140 children attended the inaugural training session, which featured other national team players giving lessons. "The kids were super excited seeing so many tables at one place and were very happy to be part of it," said Lartey afterward. "They are asking when I will do it again." Plans are in place for subsequent sessions, and Lartey is reaching out for help in expanding the foundation's reach. "I look forward to organizing a follow up tournament in December and I hope that in the next few years I will see national players coming from my Foundation and scholars as well," said Lartey. "I am appealing to all stakeholders, government and other institutions to help me with equipment, ideas, and innovations." Just as Hamilton relied on support from President Washington to launch his ambitious plans, Lartey has the ear of Mawuko Afadzinu, the President of Ghana Table Tennis Association. With their demonstrated success, they make a strong case for government sponsorship. Lartey, ranked third in Ghana but 520th in the world, is encouraged by Ghana's bronze medal finish at the 2015 African Games but has even bigger goals in the game. "Every player’s dream is to play in the Olympics, so I am preparing towards it," said the 28-year-old Lartey. "With the help of God I believe it will be possible." Man, the man is non-stop!

More at ITTF