This summer the Piazza of Leeds Corn Exchange will be buzzing as table tennis takes over. The official launch of the new Datto Ping! Parlour took place last night, with a new exhibition celebrating the Victorian past time and special appearances from regional and national players and a table tennis robot!!. The basement level of Leeds most iconic shopping centre will be home to four full size tables all season.
A collaboration with Datto Ping! Leeds, the local example of the free nationwide ping pong festival and Table Tennis England, the Corn Exchange Ping Pong Parlour will be accessible daily throughout the summer. Young and old, seasoned pro or enthusiastic amateur, anyone can take a turn on these free-to-use tables and discover a passion for Whiff Whaff.
Other initiatives to encourage play include ‘Late night shop-ping!’ every Thursday evening when Leeds Corn Exchange will stay open until 9pm, offering the perfect opportunity for a post work trip to the Grade I listed building to combine playing, browsing the 100% independent shops and tea at one of the food and drink venues. ‘Bat & Chat’, a special time slot set aside for older players will be arranged through Ping! Leeds and a local workplace pairs league is also being planned.
Sally Shutt, Coach Development Officer: North for Table Tennis England, commented: “I can’t imagine there are many places more atmospheric to enjoy a game of table tennis than under the domed roof of Leeds Corn Exchange; the original Victorian parlour game, Whiff Whaff in a stunning Victorian building. The tables are free to use and we hope that they bring a summer of fun to the building for visitors old and new.”
Councillor James Lewis, Leeds City Council’s executive member with responsibility for sport said: “Table tennis a great way to have fun and exercise, and we are delighted that through the Ping! initiative there will be the chance for people of all ages and standards to play for free at four tables located in the fantastic surroundings of the Leeds Corn Exchange”.For further information on all Leeds Corn Exchange and Ping Pong Parlour events visitwww.leedscornexchange.co.uk
