This year’s Pride of Table Tennis Awards are now open! Over the next few weeks, we will be looking back at previous winners and sharing the incredible contributions our volunteers, clubs, leagues, organisations, and schools make to table tennis up and down the country.

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Do you know a volunteer who has made a significant impact at your table tennis club, league, school or organisation in the last 12 months? If so, why not nominate them in the Volunteer of the Year category within the Pride of Table Tennis Awards?

Perhaps you know someone like 2021 Female Volunteer of the Year Winner, Dale Ward. Dale was nominated for being an inspirational volunteer at Harrogate Racquets club as a coach and player, encouraging more girls to play table tennis and supporting with school groups, including GCSE sessions, and enabling junior teams to continue.

Dale’s approachable and cheery attitude allowed participant numbers to grow by providing fun and engaging sessions. Her dedication and commitment provided an important injection of fresh blood into the local league.

Dale is pictured above receiving her award from Mark Bates, Managing Director of National Championships sponsor Mark Bates Ltd, and from Table Tennis England President Jill Parker MBE.

Dale said: “How amazing to be nominated and then go on to win the Women’s Volunteer of the Year Award, such a wonderful experience.

“I would encourage anyone to volunteer, it’s not always easy but the benefit everyone gains can be immense and brilliant to see. It gives me enormous pleasure and satisfaction.

“One of my greatest pleasures is seeing the girls playing table tennis and wanting to win and beat their opponents, I love it.”

Chris Beckley was the Male Volunteer of the Year for 2021. Chris was nominated for his efforts in the Central London Table Tennis League.

By staying in contact with members, Chris has been able provide more opportunities for people to play in the area. Chris enabled teams to enter competitions, founded and captained various teams, offered outdoor sessions and popular drop-in sessions; alongside organising a Fire Sport UK National Championship at the Britannia Leisure Centre. His limitless energy and enthusiasm made a huge impact on table tennis in the area.

Chris said about winning the award: “My goodness it was a fusion of emotions of shock, surprise, elation and adulation – and calm satisfaction to be given such an honour. When I heard my name – wow! 

“This clearly was one of the most amazing nights of my life and I thank our sport and Table Tennis England for that.

“I thank Table Tennis England for recognising the work of ALL volunteers and for me a life-enhancing and enriching recognition that makes all the hours and hours of sacrifice so well worth it.”

The Male/Female Volunteer of the Year Award recognises a person over 25 years of age for their dedication, commitment, or impact in/on table tennis on a voluntary basis over the past 12 months. This may take place at a club, local community, league, county, schools county, regional or national level and includes those young people involved in coaching and/or officiating.

If you know an inspirational volunteer who is worthy of a Pride of Table Tennis Award, now is the time to nominate them! Each person nominated will receive a certificate and be put forward to the regional awards.

Nominations close at 11:59pm on Sunday 20 November 2022.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]

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