Two eye-catching table tennis tables and a Commonwealth Games gold medallist were at the centre of a campaign launch organised by Greenhouse Sports.

The London charity launched Invest in Our Champions in Spitalfields market with stars of sport and the creative arts, to help raise awareness and funds.

GB Netball star and Commonwealth Gold medal-winner, Ama Agbeze, who is a passionate advocate of the power of sport to change lives, was there at the start of the week-long event, which saw designer table tennis tables ‘pop-up’ in the famous landmark, while coaches and young players from the charity’s London-wide programme, run free to play sessions for the public including coaching and competitions.

The tables have been open all this week for anyone who wants to pick up a bat and play.

Agbeze said: “This event is an exciting and fun way to showcase Greenhouse Sports’ vital work to the London public and encourage them to ‘Invest in Our Champions’.

“I’m a fervent believer in sport’s ability to unlock potential, development and confidence in young people, particularly those from disadvantaged or challenging backgrounds; a belief that has come from my own lifetime in sport and knowing the work Greenhouse Sports coaches do.”

The Greenhouse Sports event is being delivered in partnership with sports creative agency, Dark Horses, with the support of Art of Ping Pong who have produced two unique table tennis tables, with illustrations designed by London artists Hattie Stewart and Rob Flowers.

There will be an ongoing competition throughout the week to win limited edition prints of the table artwork and a competition for all players against a table tennis ‘robot’. At the end of the campaign, the tables will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to Greenhouse Sports.

Director of Development and Communications for Greenhouse Sports, Sarah Webster, said: “Greenhouse Sports coaches work with more than 7,300 young Londoners every year, they coach full time in schools, in the most disadvantaged areas of the capital, inspiring and mentoring vulnerable young people who face incredibly tough challenges in their lives.

“With nearly 700,000 children waking up in poverty every day in London, there are many more young people Greenhouse Sports would like to help, but we need funds and partners to do it. Events like this spotlight the positive and transformational effect our coaches have on developing and changing young lives.”