SPOR 083T
IN WHAT OTHER SPORT DO YOU FIND SUCH A MIX OF YOUNG AND OLD, ABLE-BODIED AND DISABLED?
wellbeing benefi ts it brings,” says Keely, adding: “Workplaces will still be able to purchase subsidised table tennis packages through our Loop at Work initiative, while shoppers can visit any of our free-to-play Ping Pong Parlours located in 28 shopping centres nationwide.” • For details of how to get involved and places to play, visit
keepintheloop.uk and pingengland.
co.uk
Where there’s a Will
By spontaneously climbing on the table at the end of table tennis fi nal at the Paralympics, Will Bayley provided us with one of the iconic images from Rio 2016. The 30-year-old from
Tunbridge Wells was born with arthrogryposis, a condition that results in multiple curved joints. At the age of seven, he was diagnosed with cancer and it was during recovery his grandmother bought the now world number one his fi rst table. By 16, he was representing the Kent men’s team of able-bodied players in the county’s league. Even before his stunning
victory in Brazil, Will was much sought-after for his inspirational speaking and ambassadorial roles. “I’d advise anyone interested – able-bodied or with a disability – to join their local club. One of the things I loved about table tennis is that it’s so inclusive,” says Will, who actively supports a number of sporting and community projects including Kent Sports Trust Foundation and Disability Sports Coaching. “My fi rst club was Byng
Hall in Tunbridge Wells. I joined as a child and what I loved was that I would train with all
ages – the juniors mixed with the seniors. Not only was this fantastic for my development but also for my social skills.” He’s just competed at
the World Para Table Tennis Championships in Slovenia (taking place as we went to press) but what’s next for Will Bayley (pictured left)? “My ambition is to retain my gold medal in the Tokyo Paralympics in 2020. This has never been done before by a table tennis player,” says Will, who was appointed as an MBE in the 2017 New Year Honours.
“Another long-term ambition
I have is to grow the sport in this country. There is much research showing table tennis helps the ageing process. I would love to encourage more people to take it up – it’s never too late. And in what other sport do you fi nd such a mix of young and old, able-bodied and disabled?”
10 Reasons to ©
www.richardtharris.com
Play Table Tennis 1. It’s good for your health (as little as 10 minutes can do wonders). 2. It’s easy on the body and you can play within your capabilities. 3. It’s a game that welcomes literally all ages from eight (or younger) to 80 (or older). 4. Everyone can play regardless of gender, physical ability or previous experience. 5. You can play just about anywhere from sports halls to the workplace. 6. You can play anytime. 7. It’s good for the brain (it aids complex thinking and increases the cortex – the part of the brain that shrinks with age). 8. It’s affordable. 9. It’s sociable. 10. …and it’s fun!
Get Involved
For more information, visit the following websites:.
tabletennisengland.co.uk; kentsport. org;
willbayley.com; wktta.
weebly.com;
tabletennis365.com;
bouncepingpong.com
© Jonathan Banks
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