A NEW initiative to promote physical and mental wellbeing through table tennis is being launched in St Austell.
“Table Tennis For Good aims to improve the lives of people using the power of table tennis. The project launches in St Austell town centre on Tuesday, August 20, at 11am, with activities running until 3pm. All are welcome to attend and pick up a bat or simply enjoy the fun vibe,” said a spokesperson for the scheme.
The launch, organised by St Austell Table Tennis Club, will take place at the White River Place shopping centre and will feature demonstrations, top tips and the chance for anyone to have a go.
A club spokesperson said: ‘Table tennis is good for the body and mind. By putting a bat in people’s hands, we hope that they will get the bug, playing with their friends, family group or, better yet, come and join one of our club sessions.”
Amanda Leonard, South West area manager for Table Tennis England, said: “The launch event celebrates the start of an innovative project which recognises that sport can be used to address wider social issues such as health and wellbeing, and that table tennis is uniquely placed as it is fun, challenging and inclusive.
“There aren’t many sports that you can play at your dining room table with grandma or stand on an Olympic stage. By design, table tennis levels the table with all ages and abilities being able to enjoy the sport.
“The project has successfully applied for a grant from Cornwall Council’s Capacity Building Fund. The goal is to promote the benefits of the sport and create a network of partners across St Austell. By the end of the first phase, consultees and new players will have designed a programme of activities.”
Partners have been enthusiastic to get involved and a number of Table Tennis For Good activities are already planned, including a Paralympics taster during the first week of September, working with Mencap and local day centres, and a women’s taster day on Friday, September 20, working with Wild Wonder and Wisdom. Other partners involved with the scheme include Sport in Mind and local schools.
White River Place manager Bill Holland said on Friday: “Visitors to White River Place can enjoy some free family interactive fun this August. On Saturday, August 10, and Tuesday, August 20, between 11am and 3pm, they can simply drop by and get involved in a game of table tennis.
“Brought to White River Place by St Austell Table Tennis Club, the aim is to get more people involved in the sport, perfect for promoting physical and mental wellbeing plus joining in with others.”
To find out more, visit www.tabletennisengland.co.uk/table-tennis-for-good-st-austell/