Do you know someone who epitomises the power of sport to make a positive impact on lives? If so, why not nominate them for the Inspirational Story of the Year category in our Pride of Table Tennis Awards.

It could be someone like our 2018 winner, Philip Batchelor. Parkinson’s patient Philip was determined not to let the condition dictate every aspect of his life, but was apprehensive about attending Stroud Table Tennis Club for the first time.

He feared that someone who was unsteady on their feet and with shaking hands would not be welcome and that he wouldn’t be good enough, but with support from club members giving him table time and a few tips, he gradually developed his technique to such an extent that he c0uld play 20-30 shot rallies.

His story was told in this short video by self-shooting director Rufus Exton:

Jim Hurford, Chairman of Stroud Table Tennis Club said: “Of course Philip’s movement is severely restricted but in spite of that, he has made the most of his natural ability, improving remarkably during his time at the club (he has a mean forehand!).

“I think this is because he has found an activity in a supportive environment which he enjoys and can join in with and because of his determination. It is a pleasure having Philip in our club and he is certainly an inspiration to me as I’m sure he will be to many others who see his film.”

If you know someone with an inspirational story like Philip’s who is worthy of a Pride of Table Tennis award, now is the time to nominate them!

[button link=”https://tabletennisengland.co.uk/programs/pride-of-table-tennis/pride-of-table-tennis-awards-and-criteria/”]Click here to find out more about the categories or to make a nomination[/button]

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday October 2.

Club and League Volunteer of the Year

We are also asking clubs and leagues all over the country to present their own Club or League Volunteer of the Year and their Young Volunteer of the Year awards to someone who has gone ‘above and beyond’ in the past 12 months.

Everyone who is honoured in this way at local level will receive a certificate from Table Tennis England and will be put forward for the regional and national awards.

Click here to nominate a Volunteer of the Year or Young Volunteer of the Year

This is the second year of the new-look Pride awards, which will run on a two-year cycle co-inciding with National Conferences. Further information on the changes to the awards can be found by clicking here.