Table tennis project makes for a richer life
Terrific at table tennis, Tyler Cook and Nick Rivett of Deloraine, Rosella Hickman of Chudleigh, Ajay Barnard and Myles Kirkman of Deloraine.
A new table tennis session established by the Deloraine Table Tennis League is attracting up to 30 players a week to the performing arts centre.
The league runs the 1.5 hour session on Wednesday afternoons, providing an opportunity for disabled people to join a mainstream sport.
League president Chris Gard said it’s a session for people who like to play differently, a pilot project that could be a model for other municipalities.
‘There’s a high proportion of people with disabilities here but few of them are included in mainstream sporting clubs.
‘We started the program in August. Most of the players are young people living with a disability and their carers, family or friends.
‘Other people playing include primary and high school students, older League members and people just wanting to give it a go.
‘This is the mix we were hoping for. Inclusive table tennis is all about using the sport to break down barriers and promote connection, belonging and self-development.’
One parent, Sarah Grima said the table tennis experience has changed life for her son Hayden.
‘Table tennis is the only activity that my son will happily leave the house for,’ she said.
‘It provides a safe place, free from judgement, where he can belong to a club, meet new people and learn new skills. We are so grateful for this group. It means the world to us to see him enjoy an activity where he is really included and valued.’
The state government and other community groups have jumped on board to help out.
Westbury Health has funded table tennis bats, Deloraine Lions are funding equipment and insurance, and the State Government’s Ticket to Play scheme pays club membership for players under 18 if they are on a health care or pensioner concession card.
The Deloraine Table Tennis League is also working with Deloraine High School’s trade training centre to get support for a two-year pilot project in 2022 for a cadet sport and recreation officer.
‘The project will enrol a young disabled person into a school based apprenticeship to become a Certificate II sporting organisation officer’, Mr Gard said.
‘Their on the job training component will be to manage the inclusive table tennis program, alongside a support mentor also funded through the project.’
Table Tennis Australia and Special Olympics Australia have now included that pilot project in their federal government grant submission.
Players wanting to join in Wednesday afternoon’s table tennis sessions should just turn up at the Deloraine Performing Arts Centre from 3.30pm–5pm.
Others can join the Deloraine Table Tennis League’s regular social table tennis roster on Wednesdays from 7pm–9pm.
