World Table Tennis Day showing strength of clubs and associations across the country

Table tennis clubs and associations around Australia and the world celebrated World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) on 6 April. 

The Sunshine Coast Table Tennis Club used the day for young players to come and give it a go. There was a strong mix of returning Spinneroos participants, juniors and brand new players. 

“It was an overall positive experience,” said Sunshine Coast Spinneroos Coach Joel Carpenter.

“We had an email from one of the parents who bought three kids with her saying how welcoming everyone was and what a great environment it was to be in.” 

With 16-18 participants showing up to learn new skills and try a new sport it shows just how fair the Sunshine Coast Table Tennis Club has come. 

“This time two years ago we had virtually no juniors so we are hoping to continue this momentum and keep growing,” said Carpenter. 

There is more than one way to celebrate WTTD and you don’t have to be in the same location for everyone to celebrate it proved Table Tennis ACT (TTACT).

“Table Tennis ACT celebrated world table tennis day with a morning tea at Seniors Social Group in Canberra,” said Heather Tomlinson, President TTACT. 

“While many of our juniors enjoyed being part of the Talent ID Pathway program in Sydney.  We truly believe Table Tennis is a wonderful sport for all ages and all abilities!”  

Further down south, the Northern Suburbs Table Tennis League in Hobart focused on the theme FEMpowerment movement. Inviting women and children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds to start exploring the world of table tennis. 

Table Tennis Tasmania’s State Development Officer, Roger Massie said that they had a good mix of migrants, university students and female committee members which will allow them to develop a long term program. 

“The program will focus on the FEMpowerment movement and work to create a safe environment for the women to build confidence as players, socially and even as coaches,” Massie said.  

Through the program Massie wants to help people find their path into table tennis while building a community environment that everyone feels safe in.

“Women can bring their children and know there is a safe space for them while they play and have a cup of coffee afterwards and know that their children are learning some fine motor skills as well,” Massie said.  

Table Tennis Tasmania are taking their Come and Try Event for Migrant Women and Girls to Launceston, click here for more details. 

The Sunshine Coast Table Tennis Club is running two Spinneroos programs in term 2, check them out here! 

Find all Spinneroos programs in your local area here.