As we enter the last month of the nomination period for this year’s Pride of Table Tennis awards, we put the spotlight on one of last year’s winners.
Roger Chipperfield was awarded Coach of the Year for his dedication to delivering table tennis sessions in primary schools across Medway, Kent.
The 77-year-old has helped hundreds of pupils find a passion for table tennis, as well as leading the U11 Girls team at Pilgrim School to victory at the National School Championships.
One schoolgirl who has benefitted from his tireless work is Lily, who wrote a poem as part of Mr Chipperfield’s nomination.
In it she wrote: “You’re not just a coach or a table tennis player, you’re an act of kindness itself.”
Trevor Towers, who also nominated Mr Chipperfield, said: “I do not know how he manages to find time to do all this especially as he walks or uses public transport to get to them all.
“Every school and each child absolutely love seeing Roger with his enthusiasm and boundless energy and look forward to his enjoyable sessions.”
As well as delivering sessions in schools, Mr Chipperfield is also a long-serving member of Chatham Table Tennis Club, where he is part of the coaching team, a member of the committee and is always present on club and league fixture nights.
Speaking after receiving the award, Roger said: “I was knocked out when I found out I had won.
“I just thoroughly enjoy table tennis. It is such a special sport because anyone can play – whatever your age. I just love it. It keeps me active.”
Do you know someone like Roger? Nominate them today!
If you know someone like Roger, it’s no too late to submit the nomination!
The deadline for nominating your unsung heroes for a Pride of Table Tennis Award is September 28th.
We are looking for nominations in no fewer than 11 categories as we seek to honour those who are committed to improving participation and performance at every level of our sport.
You can nominate individuals and organisations in the following categories:
- Volunteer of the Year
- Young Volunteer of the Year
- Coach of the Year
- Club of the Year
- Technical Official of the Year
- Partner of the Year
- Inclusivity Award
- Inspirational Stories
- Contribution to Table Tennis Award
- League of the Year (NEW FOR 2018)
- Ping! Personality of the Year
Regional categories are Volunteer of the Year, Young Volunteer of the Year, Contribution to Table Tennis, Coach of the Year and Club of the Year. Winners will be selected by a regional judging panel and receive a trophy and certificate. They will also be put forward to the national judging panel.
At a national level, the categories include all those in the regional awards, plus Inclusivity Award, Technical Official of the Year, Ping! Personality of the Year, Partner of the Year, Inspirational Stories of the Year and League of the Year. The national awards will be presented at our awards ceremony in March 2019.
To find out more or to nominate someone for an award, click here.