(Reposted from Adur and Worthing Council website)
Hundreds of households across Adur and Worthing have been turning their dining tables into table tennis tables during the COVID pandemic, thanks to a donation of kits from Table Tennis England.
In total, 250 table tennis kits containing bats, balls and nets were distributed to households to enable families to enjoy physical activity during lockdown. The kits have been distributed to households by Adur & Worthing Councils via a number of partner organisations and local mutual aid groups.
The distribution of table tennis kits forms part of an initiative called Ping! run by Table Tennis England and supported by Adur & Worthing Councils and Worthing Ping United to encourage more people to take up table tennis, and includes the installation of two new outdoor table tennis tables at Kitty's Field in Worthing and two in Buckingham Park in Shoreham. There are now eight outdoor tables in Worthing - in Kitty's Field, Homefield Park, Victoria Park and Beach House grounds - and two in Adur in Buckingham Park.
When the lockdown was announced, introducing limited opportunity for physical exercise, Table Tennis England launched its outreach scheme called Play at Home, specifically targeting those who were living alone, less able to engage in physical activity or shielding as a result of COVID-19.
Cllr Val Turner, Worthing Borough Council's Executive Member for Health & Wellbeing, said:
“Thanks to this innovative scheme, lots of people have discovered how fun table tennis can be. Now with lots more tables to play on in our parks and open spaces, I hope it will encourage many others to give it a go too.”
Due to the COVID safety requirements, the Councils are unable to supply bats and balls for use at the outdoor tables and advise players to supply their own during this time. Table Tennis England are offering equipment for sale at a reduced rate. Visit their website to find out more see:
