Brighton Table Tennis Club are putting themselves at the forefront of building bridges through sport as part of World Table Tennis Day, which is on Thursday April 6.
The club has teamed up with the city’s Hummingbird Project and will take over the plaza at Brighton’s Open Market with a massive 20-table event the following Sunday, April 9.
The theme will be PingPong4Peace v Islamophobia and Brighton TTC director Tim Holtam says it aims to challenge the destructive narrative that is permeating some parts of the world.
The event will celebrate Brighton & Hove’s City of Sanctuary status, welcoming refugees & asylum seekers into the local community and valuing the contributions of migrants to society.
Tim added: “We want to showcase how to build strong communities through sport and we’re looking forward to making it a great event with 20 tables in a great covered venue.”
Hundreds of events have already been registered in dozens of countries all over the world to celebrate World Table Tennis Day, and it’s not too late to get involved.
Click here to download a registration form from the ITTF website.
Among the other events planned are a celebration at Oxford Town Hall from 10am to 4pm on the day, featuring free play for anyone who turns up, regardless of age or ability.
The Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor Mohammed Altaf-Khan and England No 5 Chris Doran will kick off the event demonstrating their skills. There will also be exhibition games, coaching and the chance to win prizes.
This event has been organised in partnership with Unison Oxford City Branch and Oxford and District Table Tennis Association.
Our own National Table Tennis Day is also in the planning stage and we will be releasing more details in due course.