Table Tennis has the potential to be one of the most inclusive sports out there. The numerous projects I see daily that implement the sport to help people is staggering.
Last month, Lauren Evans (Northeast Area Manager) and I visited a disability centre for amputees and individuals with limb differences to deliver a table tennis taster event. Hosted in partnership with Limb Power, the event aimed to offer amputees and people with limb differences an exciting introduction to various adaptive sports.
On the day, table tennis proved to be a popular activity with participants. Some had tried the sport before, but for others, it was their first time. Although the table tennis provided exercise for those involved, it also provided a chance to socialise and share how their journey was going. There was laughter, friendly competition, and genuine connection as stories were swapped between games. It was a vivid reminder of how an activity like table tennis can break barriers and bring people together.
Moments like these reaffirm my belief that table tennis is so much more than just a game. It’s a tool for inclusion, a vehicle for community building, and a way to improve mental and physical well-being. It’s why initiatives like Ping in the Community, developed by Table Tennis England, are so important. They can take table tennis out of traditional sports settings and into places where it can make a real difference.
These projects show the incredible adaptability of table tennis. It doesn’t matter if you’re a competitive athlete, a total beginner, or someone using adaptive equipment—there’s a place for everyone around the table. And the benefits go beyond the physical. Whether it’s improving balance, coordination, developing social connections, or offering a moment of joy, table tennis has a unique way of levelling the playing field for all.
This aligns perfectly with our #LevelTheTable strategy, which is about making sure the sport reaches and represents every corner of society. It’s about transforming lives, connecting communities, and giving people opportunities to thrive.
If you’ve ever thought about how table tennis could make a difference in your community, then I would suggest viewing the Ping in the Community packages. It provides everything you need to get started—tables, bats, balls, and even guidance to run sessions. Whether you’re looking to start sessions, these packages are designed to help you make table tennis a part of everyday life.
It’s sessions like the one I visited that shows, one serve at a time, we can give everyone the opportunity to play our great sport, regardless of their background!