It was a great weekend for the Over 50s Black Men Forum (O50BM) as more than 100 older black men came together to play table tennis in Grays, Essex.

BBC Look East was also in attendance for the second annual Older Black Men Community Table Tennis Championship, which was a day of competition, physical activity, friendship, visibility and community.

With 10 teams competing from across the south east, Thurrock won both the singles and doubles titles, Thamesmead were runners-up in both categories, while Stevenage and Luton South reached the semi-finals.

Other groups from Bromley, Catford, Chelmsford, Luton North, North London and Southend also competed.

But this Championship was always about much more than medals. Chidi Umeano, Partnership & Engagement Lead at O50BM, takes up the story. Photos by Ola Aminu.

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For O5BM, table tennis is a practical way of meeting men where they are by creating trusted, enjoyable spaces where older Black men can stay active, build friendships, reduce isolation and engage more confidently with their health and wellbeing.

As one of the participants said: “Attending this for the second year has been very emotional for me and has given me a sense of purpose and a reason to live. I will become a more active volunteer for O5BM.”

Our approach strongly reflects the direction of the Government’s Men’s Health Strategy for England, the first 10-year national strategy dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of men and boys. The strategy places greater emphasis on prevention, moving healthcare closer to communities, tackling inequalities and strengthening social and community networks.

It also recognises that improving men’s health requires collaboration across the NHS, government, charities, workplaces and communities, rather than expecting health services alone to solve the challenge. That is exactly why community-led approaches matter. 

Sometimes the first conversation with a man does not need to begin in a clinic. It can begin around a table tennis table.

Men may initially come for the sport, but many stay for the friendships, belonging, physical activity and wider support around their health.

Seeing that story featured on BBC Look East was therefore a significant moment for us – not simply because O5BM appeared on television, but because it gave wider visibility to older black men being active, competitive, connected and taking positive steps around their wellbeing.

This year’s Championship was supported by Sport England and formally “Encouraged by the ITTF Foundation” following the signing of an MoU between O5BM and the Foundation as part of our developing Table Tennis for Health relationship.

A huge thank you also goes to Impulse Leisure for providing the venue and table tennis tables that made the Championship possible. And our sincere appreciation to City Bridge Foundation, whose funding supports four O5BM centres across London. Finally, thanks to Table Tennis England for all their moral support and encouragement throughout the year

Thank you to every player, volunteer, organiser, doctor, supporter and partner who contributed to such a memorable day. The Championship may happen once a year, but the real work happens every week in our various community centres.

Older Black men. Active. Connected. Visible.