Illawarra grant recipients excited to enhance member experience

TTA received a record number of high-quality applications from clubs in every State and Territory for the 2021 Equipment and Facilities Grants Program. Over $114,000 worth of equipment and facilities will now be injected into table tennis projects across 13 clubs/associations from all over the country. 

The Illawarra District Table Tennis Association (IDTTA) was one of the 2021 Equipment and Facilities Grants Program recipients. 

IDTTA Committee Member Allan Russell is looking forward to being able to upgrade their barriers to provide an enhanced tournament experience for their members. 

“We have a number of barriers that are in a bad state and we can’t keep repairing them. It has made it difficult for us to provide proper separation for the court areas during tournaments and competition,” Russell said. 

One of the most successful competitions organised by the IDTTA is a team challenge event called ‘Fast 3’. The competition follows a best-of-three games Davis Cup format to 11 points, with no deuce. In the knockout phase the first team to three rubbers wins the match. 

“It is proving to be a successful tournament for IDTTA. We have had some of NSW and Australia’s best table tennis athletes come to compete,” Russell said. 

Replacing the barriers will enable IDTTA to have sufficient equipment to provide a better tournament experience for all participants. 

“All the barriers are currently different heights, so it will look more uniform and professional when we do our Fast 3 and our regular club competitions,” Russell said.