The University of East London will play host to the third Jack Petchey Foundation London Schools’ Individual Finals as the cream of the crop of 11-19 year-olds from across the capital will once again exhibit the best of London’s table tennis.
On the weekend of June 22nd, over 90 participants from 49 schools across London will compete for the title of Jack Petchey Foundation Individual Champion in eight main events ranging from Under-19 Boys to Under-11 Girls.
The competition will provide another wonderful account of the work between the Jack Petchey Foundation, the English Table Tennis Association and the English Schools’ Table Tennis Association who have recently agreed a third year of funding to continue the overwhelming successes recorded by the JPF Table Donation Scheme.
After recording excellent results from the second year of the programme, which saw just under 5000 young people benefit directly from the scheme (up 57% from year one), a fresh funding package of £177,000 will allow further provision of 200 JPF branded table tennis tables, training and equipment packs to a further 50 schools across London.
Sophie Olyphant, Project Officer for Children & Young People at the ETTA, is delighted that the partnership can offer London’s youths a new experience through table tennis.
She said: “The partnership with the Jack Petchey Foundation has meant that thousands of students in London now have access to quality table tennis, through table donations and competition. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to work with the Foundation and to be able to have such a significant impact on creating sporting opportunities for young people in London.
“It provides a chance for experienced and novice players to take part in a fantastic event at a world class sporting venue.”
The Individual Finals aren’t just about the competition though. The event is complimented by music, prizes and gifts as the occasion is given a firm celebratory atmosphere. For the youngsters there is also the chance to win one of the many raffle prizes which include an Ipod Nano, Ipod Shuffle and an Instant Ping Pong pack.
Trudy Kilcullen, Chief Operations Officer for the Jack Petchey Foundation, is excited by the rapid growth of table tennis in the local schools and had her own little message to those ready to compete at UEL.
She enthused: “The Jack Petchey Foundation is really proud of our partnership with ETTA. It has enabled thousands of young Londoners to develop their interest in table tennis. With more tables in schools and more opportunities to enter local and regional competitions, table tennis has just taken off!”
She also had a special message for all the participants: “It is so exciting to be part of a large scale competition like the Jack Petchey Table Tennis Challenge – you will love the atmosphere when you walk into the hall, see the tables stretching onto the distance and hear the familiar sound of bat on ball. I am sure visions of Olympic glory will flood your mind!
“Everyone who plays enjoys the day and as far as we are concerned all who get through to the final are already winners -representing the top players in London.”
Join the event on Facebook by clicking here and remember to keep in touch with the latest news leading up to the event and to tweet your pictures during the event using the hashtag #JPFINALS
For a full list of the schools competing in this event or for the ETTA press release please click here
If you want more information on how to get your school involved in the Jack Petchey Foundation Table Donation Scheme, contact Sophie Olyphant at [email protected]
Thanks go to the Jack Petchey Foundation and the English Schools’ Table Tennis Association for continuing to provide great opportunities for young table tennis players such as these.