Adur And Worthing Find Table-Tennis Fitness Fans

It's being reported that hundreds of households across Adur and Worthing have been turning their dining tables into table tennis tables during the COVID pandemic.

According to the area's two local councils, it's after Table Tennis England donated 250 table tennis kits containing bats, balls and nets.

They've been distributed to households, by the authorities working through several local groups, to enable families to enjoy physical activity during lockdown.

The plan to get more people to take up Table Tennis is part of a programme called Ping! run by Table Tennis England and supported by Adur & Worthing Councils and Worthing Ping United.

Included in the scheme are the two new outdoor table tennis tables at Kitty's Field in Worthing and two in Buckingham Park in Shoreham, that More Radio reported on last week.

There are now eight outdoor tables in Worthing: in Kitty's Field, Homefield Park,Victoria Park and Beach House grounds; along with two in Adur in Buckingham Park. 

It was at the point lockdown was announced that Table Tennis England launched its outreach scheme called Play at Home, specifically targeting those who were living alone, less able to engage in physical activity or shielding as a result of COVID-19.  

Groups involved in distributing the equipment were Mencap, Turning Tides, the Broadwater Support Group, East Worthing Foodbank, Shoreham Covid-19 Support (mutual aid), and Gaisford Mutual Aid Group.

Cllr Dave Simmons, Adur District Councils' Executive Member for Health & Wellbeing said: 

"The feedback from families who have been playing table tennis at home has been really positive and we are encouraged both by how it has helped to support people to stay active during lockdown and be something that families can enjoy together." 

Cllr Val Turner, Worthing Borough Council's Executive Member for Health & Wellbeing, added: 

"Thanks to this innovative scheme, lots of people have discovered how fun table tennis can be.

"Now with lots more tables to play on in our parks and open spaces, I hope it will encourage many others to give it a go too."

Due to the COVID safety requirements, the Councils are unable to supply bats and balls for use at the outdoor tables and advise players to supply their own during this time.

The campaign's own website, which welcomes enquiries from the public to purchase reduced-cost table-tennis equipment, is https://www.pingengland.co.uk/batsandballs/