Pathway progress for Para-table tennis

The pathway from grassroots Para-table tennis to the elite level will open up exponentially, with Table Tennis Australia (TTA) launching its new Pathways Project, supported by the AIS Solutions Grant.

Australia has traditionally had a small representation in table tennis at the Paralympic Games, with little funding directed to seek out new athletes.

With extra support provided by the AIS, TTA will now aim to increase the accessibility of the sport by fostering new partnerships with rehabilitation centres and disability organisations across the country.

“For a long time now, our funding has gone directly into our Para High Performance program, which has left us with insufficient time and resources to discover new talent,” said TTA National Program Manager (Para) Sue Stevenson.

“With our dedicated Pathways Project, we’re now able to introduce Para-table tennis to a whole range of individuals that may have never discovered the sport, and that’s something remarkable.

“Table tennis is a sport for everyone, no matter age, gender or ability, so while we’re aiming for more talented athletes to join our Para High Performance program in the long term, we’re also looking forward to more people with disabilities enjoying table tennis for the social and physical benefits that it has to offer.”

The Pathways Project will target rehabilitation centres and disability organisations that are in close proximity to accessible Table Tennis Clubs with established Para-table tennis programs already running. TTA will also set up sustainable long-term programs and links between the organisations and their local table tennis club.

TTA will aim to establish 10 pathway programs, including the recently launched Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre Project in South Australia.

The Hampstead Project commenced this week, with five allied health professionals undertaking a two hour coaching session with TTA Head Coach (Para), Alois Rosario, and patients in both the Spinal and Brain Injury Units have already joined.

For more information about TTA’s Pathway Project, please contact TTA National Pathway Development Officer (Para) Kara Retford at kara@tabletennis.org.au