Gilbert Elles passed away this year in March

Gilbert Elles was one of the longest serving members of the French CSIT member organisations FSGT and until recently Vice-President of the Committee in the French Department of Bas-Rhin, also Coordinator of the Federal Pool of Sports Activity and Culture since 2017, a member and leader of the Federal Commission for Table Tennis for over 30 years and President of the Table Tennis Technical Commission of the International Sports Federation (CSIT) for over 20 years. It is with great sadness that FSGT announces that Gilbert Elles passed away in Lingolsheim, Bas-Rhin, on Wednesday 22 March 2023, aged just 67.

Gilbert was a much-loved friend and collaborator and built friendly and lasting relationships with many in all areas. His goodwill and kindness were at the service of his tireless dedication to the FSGT federation. He loved the history of his own federation and that of the Bas-Rhin Committee, and he was keen to share archives and anecdotes with everyone. Gilbert was deeply humorous and a very sociable contemporary who was always welcome.

We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Viviane, his daughter Sandrine and his two grandchildren Maxine and Melvin, of whom he spoke so much and for whom he sacrificed much time, and to all his friends inside and outside FSGT. CSIT President Bruno Molea sends its deepest sympathy: "We were deeply saddened to hear that our friend Gilles has recently passed away. I got to know and appreciate him in the past years at many meetings and sessions as a very pleasant and very competent partner. Especially the many very nice and entertaining conversations with him will always be remembered by all of us. As well as his competent work in our organisation as TC Table Tennis. I would like to express my personal and all of our heartfelt condolences to his wife, children and grandchildren."