The launch of a city-wide summer programme for a popular
table tennis project begins with a quirky championship in the centre of
Brighton on Thursday 25 July.
Local traders are being invited to step up to open air
tables in Jubilee Square and represent their professions at the launch event of
this year’s Ping! programme. Instead of traditional ping pong bats,
participants will bring a “tool of their trade” to bounce the little balls to
victory! Librarians will bring their
books, publicans will be wielding beer mats, chefs using frying pans and so on.
The Mayor will also be in attendance although the bat of her choice has not yet
been revealed.
The fun championship starts a series of free table tennis
events taking place across Brighton & Hove until the end of August. The
Ping! project is being organised in Brighton & Hove by the council’s Sports
Development team working with local table tennis clubs. The programme
encourages people to have a go at table tennis to discover how enjoyable and
accessible the sport is for all ages and abilities.
Cllr Geoffrey Bowden, chair of the Economic Development
and Culture Committee, said: “There is an element of cheeky fun mixed with a
competitive streak about the sport of table tennis. It can be played at as high
speed action challenge or a calm to and fro volley. The appeal is in the
variety and those at the top of their game can deliver some astounding play. I
am very pleased to see Ping! back on the streets of Brighton & Hove this
summer.”
More than 40 table tennis tables will be placed across
the city in more than 20 locations. Bats and balls are supplied at many
locations but to avoid disappointment players are advised to bring along their
own equipment when visiting the outdoor tables. All the tables can be used for
free. Information on where to find the Ping! tables is available on the council
website at: http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/ping
Table tennis clubs across Brighton & Hove are helping
to raise awareness of the sport during the Ping! weeks. Many clubs are
instrumental in delivering the free events and sessions. Tim Holtam, Brighton
Table Tennis Club, said: "Ping! Brighton & Hove was simply amazing
last year with more than 35,000 people playing in the space of six weeks in the
run up to the Olympics. Ping! has been transformative to the image of the sport
in our city and is a fantastic way of people meeting each other and having fun.
It is a game anyone can enjoy from the first time they pick up a bat until they
are over 100. There are not many other sports where that is possible!”
