A spot for everyone

Fort Garry Industrial

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This article was published 06/12/2023 (898 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Despite being active for five years, the Winnipeg Table Tennis Training Centre (545 Hervo St.) will be hosting its very first weekend league in 2024, beginning Jan. 6.

The Born to Play Weekend League will invite players of all ages and experience to the centre every Saturday up until April 27, 2024. The weekly games will begin at 1 p.m.

The beginning of the league comes with a pull to get more people involved with the sport, said Poy Riankasemsakul, a co-ordinator, and promote it as a year-long, affordable way to get out and have some fun — especially throughout the Winnipeg winter.

Currently, the training centre fills its expansive room, located on the second floor, with classes, training sessions, scrimmages, and drop-ins from regular members.

It’s the training ground for many young players, including sister duo Alexus and Victoria Lee.

The sisters gained national attention after their gold medal win in the U15 team event at the 2023 Canadian junior national championships in July. Alexus, 12, went on to win a solo bronze medal in the U13 category, as well. The pair also competed in the Canada Winter Games in February where Victoria, 14, won silver alongside her partner, Grace Qi, in the category of female doubles. This was the first medal for Team Manitoba in table tennis since 2011.

When asked if they had any words for first-time players, they described table tennis as a social, inclusive experience.

”I think a lot of people think that it’s for more younger people, but when reality it isn’t,” Victoria said. “It’s for people of all ages, and it’s also a really fun sport — you can have fun with your friends and family and you can get them all to join you and play. And I also think that in the sport you can also meet a lot of friends. too. So you’re not going to be alone the whole time.”

”Like, if you’re like injured, some sports you cannot play, but I think the sport is for everyone, whether you have an injury, a disability, you can play these sports without having to worry about that,” Alexus said. “Because we know quite some people who do have some disabilities and they still play at a high level. So don’t be afraid to try out new sports and try out this sport, especially because we’re looking for new people to play. And I think if you really want to play, this is something to go to.”

Zack Dong, 14, has been living in Winnipeg for less than a year, and is credited as one of the best players training out of the centre. Through the sport, he’s been able to make a lot of new friends.

“I started like in like the first few months after I came here,” he said. “My mom just wanted me to explore a new habit. And after some time, I became competitive. I play a few open games in Manitoba and I get well (and far) into it. I just love this sport.”

“We share a lot more memories (at tournaments),” said Ryson Lee, 13, who also trains at the centre. “I started learning from like people are (at a higher level) than me … It’s it’s easier to improve because I don’t need to approach people that I don’t really know. It’s like having some teammates around. It’s easier to improve and talk more about.”

The league will accept registration from those interested until Jan. 3, 2024.

To sign up or learn more, visit www.winnipegtabletennis.com or call 204-890-5139.