Sam Walker spread some Olympic stardust to inspire the next generation when he visited Laleham Gap School in Kent.

He played against pupils and staff and took questions in an assembly at the school, which is a special school for children with autism, speech, language & communication needs.

He also let pupils try on the medals he won at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and this year, plus the World Team Championships in 2016.

The visit was co-ordinated by Paul Ursell of Laleham TTC, who runs a club at the school, assisted by his son Hugo, who is one of the Table Tennis England Young Ambassadors.

Mr Ursell said: “I was so proud of the pupils. It was lovely to see how much they enjoyed themselves and how they have been inspired. I am sure the sport here will develop even further.”

Sam added: “It is lovely to see what Mr Ursell is doing with table tennis here. I remember when I was young the amount of time and effort people gave to me. I am only too pleased to come to schools like this and give something back. Table tennis is such a great sport too.”

Head teacher Les Milton said: “A massive thank you to Sam for giving up so much of his time. The students thoroughly enjoyed the participation and the opportunity to play against him.

“I was delighted by the level of engagement in the question and answer session and in the assembly the children were learning about achieving excellence and the level of dedication and hard work it takes.”

Laleham Gap ‘won’ the visit from an Olympic athlete by taking part in National #TableTennisDay in 2017. This year’s #TableTennisDay is on Wednesday July 18 and any organisation which registers an event will have a chance of winning a similar visit from one of our leading players.

Win your own visit from a Team England star with #TableTennisDay 2018

Everyone who registers a #TableTennisDay event and let’s us know how it goes, will be entered into our competition to win their own visit from a Team England star!

We’re also giving out free goody bags to the first 100 schools and PremierClubs or Free Clubs that register their events. Our Loop at Work companies, Ping Pong Parlours, Ping cities and friends at Everyone Active who take part will also receive an activation kit and goodies for their events.

To find out more and register your event, click the button below.

[button link=”www.tabletennisengland.co.uk/register”]Register your event[/button]