Table Tennis England played a big role on National Paralympic Day at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.

Ping! kindly donated two of their outdoor tables and equipment for the day, and both tables were popular throughout the day as people of all ages had a try at our sport.

There were some very special guests as well, mingling with and playing against children and families – including London 2012 Paralympic silver medallist and current world No 1 Will Bayley, who taught ex-400m runner and Channel 4 presenter Iwan Thomas a few tricks of the sport.

Ross Wilson and Aaron McKibbin, who won bronze medals at the London 2012 Paralympics, also attended the event, meeting fans, signing autographs, inspiring the next generation of sporting talent.

Alistair and Duncan Feltham, who won bronze in the men’s doubles table tennis at the Special Olympics European Summer Games in Belgium, played two outstanding sessions of table tennis in the afternoon.

During the day more than 250 participants enjoyed playing on the Ping! tables, and many returned on several occasions for another fix of the game, playing doubles with new acquaintances and sharing in the positive atmosphere of the occasion.

Table Tennis England also supported Brighton, Plymouth and Nottingham on the day.

If you have been inspired by National Paralympic Day or are interested in getting involved in table tennis then please contact Steve McFadyen, Table Tennis England’s Clubs and Disability Officer, on [email protected] or 01908 208881.

Duncan Jenkinson
July 30, 2015