WALLINGTON SCHOOL GETS FREE TABLE TENNIS TABLES THANKS TO JACK PETCHEY AND TABLE TENNIS ENGLAND Two brand new outdoor table tennis tables have been delivered to Carew Academy, in Wallington, Surrey, following a successful application to the Jack Petchey Table Tennis programme in partnership with Table Tennis England.

Delivered last month they are already a hit with students. Carew is a community special Academy with around 160 pupils aged 7-16 with a wide range of ability levels and additional learning needs, including complex special needs.

Based in Church Road, the school’s indoor tables are well used but the welcome addition of two outside tables has greatly increased interest in the game. Selwyn Walmsley, Head of Sport, said “Many of our students find hand to eye coordination difficult. We do offer table tennis on the curriculum for one term a year but our new tables mean we are that much closer to bringing our students up to a level so they can join clubs.”

Mr Walmsley has been at the school for 30 years and is a level 3 table tennis coach. A big table tennis fan, coaching and setting up competitions has been a big part of his life. He said “We are so grateful for the tables and the equipment of nets, bats and balls. We have appointed table tennis leaders to manage use of tabled and help coach other students. Despite the range of special needs, table tennis is a big hit and some of our students are working towards GCSE in Sport.”

The Jack Petchey Table Tennis programme is made up of two elements, competition opportunities through the Table Tennis Team and Individual Championships, with progression to the grand finals, plus donation of indoor and outdoor table tennis tables. Now in its sixth year the donation scheme is very popular. So far 1,365 indoor and outdoor tables have been donated to over 273 Schools and Youth Clubs in London and Essex. Over 21,000 young players have taken part in the competitions.

Sara Sutcliffe, TTE Chief Executive, said “These tables provide a safe, fun environment for young people to enjoy our sport and we are proud that our partnership with the Jack Petchey Foundation is flourishing.”

/cont… DONATED TABLE TENNIS TABLES CONT…. PAGE 2 The Jack Petchey Foundation was established in 1999 to recognise positive contributions young people make to society and to support them in achieving their potential. It has invested £100 million to a wide range of 2,000 youth initiatives across London and Essex. Sir Jack Petchey, 91-year-old founder, is passionate about giving young people freedom and opportunity. “I’ve been a fan of table tennis since my own youth. It’s a fantastic sport for young people to play and it’s good to see this partnership is popular and growing.” For further information about the scheme visit www.londonschoolstabletennis.co.uk.

PHOTOGRAPHER STEPHEN POVER - ends – PRESS INFORMATION FROM CHRISTEN PR : 07768 120249 (M) email: baker.christine@btinternet.com 01992 815907 (O) Attached jpg and caption EDITORS NOTES: Table Tennis England is the lead nation for the British Table Tennis Federation. Table tennis has over 300 million participants worldwide, making it one of the world’s highest participation sports. Some 2.4 million people play table tennis within the UK (British Market Research Bureau). www.tabletennisengland.co.uk Jack Petchey Foundation was established in 1999 to recognise the positive contributions young people make to society and to support them in achieving their potential. It has invested £100m to a wide range of 2,000 youth initiatives across London and Essex. Visit www.jackpetcheyfoundatio.org.uk Based on information supplied by Christine Baker.