The third annual Ping Pong competition for over 65s supported by Hampshire County Council has been branded a resounding success – with more than 50 participants, of which almost half were complete beginners to the sport.
After Team GB’s success at this year’s Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games, bringing home 67 Olympic and 147 Paralympic medals, the over 65s Ping Pong Tournament, which was held at Fleming Park Leisure Centre in Eastleigh, on DATE, forms part of the County Council’s commitment to keep the 2012 London Olympic legacy alive, by encouraging active ageing.
Councillor Liz Fairhurst, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care, handed out prizes along with the Mayor of Eastleigh, Councillor Des Scott. Councillor Fairhurst said: “It was lovely to see so many people taking part on the day and really enjoying their ping pong. They were an inspiration to us all. Getting people involved in social and physical activities helps to address isolation and loneliness, as well as improving physical and emotional wellbeing – all of which help people to live independently for longer. Table Tennis is a really fun activity that anyone can take part in.”
An army of volunteers from Hampshire County Council’s Adult Services Supporting Communities Team, and from the Waterside Table Tennis Club, which helped organise the table tennis tournament, ensured the event ran smoothly. The most senior player on the day was 89 year old Nancy Johnson from West End who was runner up in the over 75s women’s category. Nancy took up playing table tennis when she retired at 60. She added: “I like table tennis because it keeps you fit without having to walk miles! There is also the social element and I have quite a few friends from playing table tennis.”
The overall winners of this year’s competition were:
Women over 65s - Paula Fauvel, from Fareham Men over 65s - Leo Lindsay, from Park Gate Women over 75s - Doreen Turner, from Warsash Men over 75s - John Bloodworth, from Eastleigh For more experienced table tennis players over the age of 65, an intermediate tournament will be held by Waterside Table Tennis Club on 20 November at their site in Totton. More information about this event can be found on the Club’s website.
Picture:
L-R Leo Lindsay, from Park Gate, over 65s men's winner, John Bloodworth, from Eastleigh, over 75s men's winner, Mayor of Eastleigh Cllr Des Scott, Cllr Liz Fairhurst, Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Adult social Care, Doreen Turner, from Warsash, winner of over 75s ladies category and Paula Fauvel, from Fareham, winner of the over 65s ladies category.