Table tennis programs at the Lakeshore Racquets Centre are growing.
In the past, the table tennis league and drop-in programs have been played on tables that are moved in and out of the three squash courts. Interest in both drop-in and league play at racquet centre has increased, and the club has expanded the options for table tennis play.
The only available area was an unfinished storage area. The room has now been transformed with new windows, lighting, insulation, drywall, and paint.
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“We couldn’t be more excited, said Carol Rosenthall, a member of the centre’s and table tennis coordinator. “The funds needed seemed daunting when the idea was first considered. But with volunteer sweat equity and community support it is now all falling into place.”
The Summerland Rotary Club donated $2,500 and Valley First Credit Union donated $2,500 for a high-quality table tennis table which will be an upgrade to the centre’s existing tables.
The racquet centre has also established a partnership with Ping Pong for Good, a not-for-profit organization that focuses on table tennis as a vehicle to improve the lives of those living with neurological conditions and to help people maintain better brain health as they age.
Ping Pong for Good has developed both therapy and fitness programs and incorporates exercises inspired by the game into a brain training activity with therapeutic benefits well beyond the recreational and competitive play typically associated with it. Drills are created to maximize mental and physical benefits while still retaining the fun factor of playing.
In collaboration with Ping Pong for Good, Rosenthall and racquet centre member Sherri Macdonald are offering similar programming at the centre, both individually for people with neurological conditions and through a group skill and drill drop-in program.
Both aging and neurodegenerative conditions come with a higher risk of falling, thus the last item needed to equip the new room is appropriate flooring to reduce the likelihood of injuries. The current concrete flooring is not adequate to ensure people of all abilities can play the sport in a safe environment. Fundraising is underway and racquet centre is hopeful to have new flooring installed early in the new year.
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