A sport for all ages and athletic types, table tennis has caught on quick in the Battlefords. (File photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Return of Serve

Table tennis proves a hit in the Battlefords

Sep 21, 2019 | 2:00 PM

Table tennis is back in the Battlefords.

The North Battleford Table Tennis Club has returned to action for a new season that will run from Sept. to May.

First established in April 2018, the North Battleford Table Tennis Club has seen the level of popularity amongst the sport continue to gain traction within the community over the last year.

The club now features as many as 25 members with anywhere from 10 to 12 players taking part in a given meet.

Director of the North Battleford Table Tennis Club, Michael Garbowicz said one thing that makes table tennis a truly unique sport is how accessible it is to players of all ages.

Fond Memories

North Stars' 20-year-olds reflect on junior hockey experience: Part 2

5m ago

Fond Memories

North Stars' 20-year-olds reflect on junior hockey experience: Part 1

18h ago

Trades in Sask.

Skilled trades need not limited to building homes

Apr 17, 2024

Members of the local club range from their early 20s to the club’s most senior member at age 74.

Both men and woman can play, and both singles and doubles table tennis is available.

Garbowicz said whether someone is looking for a fun evening out with friends, or a game that offers a competitive edge, table tennis makes for an ideal activity, while offering positive health benefits as well.

“It is valuable because table tennis, whether it is recreational, or competitively played, it is excellent exercise,” he said. “It is very good for your hand-eye coordination; it works and is good for your joints and stabilizing muscles. It is a cognitive game as well as a physical game. [The] hand-eye co-ordination keeps the brain involved at a high rate as well.”

Garbowicz said table tennis also serves as a great way to socialize and meet new people within the community.

“It is a very social game,” he said. “You can joke and have conversation while playing it, or you can work up a good sweat and go home having had a cardio workout.”

As the sport’s popularity continues to expand across the province, the local club has even had inquiries from club members from other nearby towns such as Meadow Lake and Lloydminster as players will drop by occasionally to play in the Battlefords community as well.

The North Battleford Table Tennis Club meets Monday and Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. at the gym at Living Faith Chapel in North Battleford.

Because the North Battleford Club is an affiliate of Table Tennis Saskatchewan, the club also features some special upcoming events.

Monday the club will feature a visit from Saskatchewan’s provincial head coach Paul Noel.

The North Battleford Table Tennis Club is also looking into hosting a provincial tournament this fall.

—

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1