William Penn Leisure Centre mascot Penny the Penguin was the star attraction as customers and staff alike picked up a bat for Ping Pong Power on National Table Tennis Day.

The centre, managed by the charitable trust Hertsmere Leisure, challenged their staff to find the most bizarre places to play showing that table tennis can be played anytime and anywhere.

Penny the Penguin got involved and tried his best to win the plastic cup competition – where the player who knocked down the most cups won a £10 voucher for sportswear, however, he was unable to set the top score.

The day was a triumph for raising the profile of the sport in the Hertforshire area and the staff and management are hopeful for more progress in the future.

Scott Beattie, William Penn General Manager, said: ” The day raised awareness of table tennis amongst customers, and some of them chose to get involved, particularly with the table that was set up directly in reception.  I hope that we have raised the awareness through staff engaging with customers and our mascot ‘Penny the Penguin’ getting involved.

“Lots of questions were asked by customers on the day and we hope to see an increase in customers loving table tennis!”

by Russell Moore (July 23, 2014)