It’s almost time to celebrate and honour the finalists of the Pride of Table Tennis Awards for their remarkable contributions to our sport.
The Pride of Table Tennis Awards serves as our annual tribute to individuals who generously devote their time and efforts to make a positive impact on people’s lives in our sport.
This year, we’ve received more than 70 nominations, and the weekend of the Mark Bates Ltd National Championships marks the occasion to acknowledge the finalists for their outstanding dedication, including naming the national winners for 2024.
Johnathon Driscoll, London Area Manager, and the Pride of Table Tennis Awards lead, said: “At our flagship event in Nottingham, we have the opportunity to honour our inspiring heroes.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations and sincere gratitude to all the finalists for their exceptional contributions, as well as to the volunteers across the nation. Without your unwavering dedication and commitment, the sport wouldn’t be where it stands today.”
After careful deliberation, the national judging panel has selected the finalists for each category – click here to read more about each nominee.
Female Volunteer of the Year
Christine Burke – Nominated by Karen Henry
Clare Flynn (Durham TTA/ Brandon TTC/ NETT) – Nominated by Lauren Evans and Hilary Pegum
Karen Smith (Knighton Park Table Tennis Club) – Nominated by Mike Smith
Megan Bollen (Derby Community Table Tennis Club) – Nominated by Jonny Beasley
Young Female Volunteer of the Year
Heilam Tse (Kingfisher Table Tennis Club) – Nominated by Raj Patel
Maddy Lyons (Halton TTC) – Nominated by Karen Tonge OBE
Male Volunteer of the Year
Tajudeen Alao (TJ TTC) – Nominated by Gareth Spencer
Rob Cook (Leeds Parky PING!) – Nominated by Hillary West
Gary Kenton (Hollingbury TTC) – Nominated by Matthew Porter
Young Male Volunteer of the Year
Alain Shibu (Horsham TTC) – Nominated by Ian Ford
Alekss Belskis (Bradford Grammar School Table Tennis Club) – Nominated by Andrew Crabtree
Bailey Page (Joola Plymouth) – Nominated by Paul Whiting
Contribution to Table Tennis Award
Bob Baker (Kent TTA) – Nominated by Claire Moore
Ian Wu (Newbury & District TTA) – Nominated by Ian Langley
Lifetime Achievement Award
Colin French (Waterside Table Tennis Club) – Nominated by Albert Davies
John Waters – (Bury St Edmunds TTC) – Nominated by Paul Seabrook
David Wiles – (Portsmouth & District TTA) – Nominated by William Moody
The winners will be announced on Saturday March 23 during the Mark Bates Ltd National Championships in Nottingham.