Ping Pong - a game for all ages
Making a racket about ping pong
Ping pong is a great way to keep active and have fun in older years. The game can be played on many levels, from fast paced battles to sedate matches.
A campaign is now underway to promote the benefits of ping pong for the older generation. In terms of physical activity, the sport gives a good practical level of exercise and also maintains hand to eye co-ordination. There are also social benefits in meeting with others to improve sporting skills.
A free event to demonstrate how to teach ping pong to older people is taking place on Wednesday 12 June at Hove Town Hall. The event, organised by the BRITDOC foundation and Brighton & Hove City Council, will give training and networking opportunities. Part of the Ping Pong Care Campaign, sessions are tailored to help care staff, health professionals, educational services and sports development organisations working with older people.
Anyone wishing to attend and gain skills in delivering low impact table tennis activity for older people can apply for a place online by filling in the Registration of Interest form.
Councillor Geoffrey Bowden, chair of the economic development and culture committee, said: “Ping pong was one of the surprise favourites at last years’ Olympics and has been growing in popularity. It’s a sport anyone can have a go at and I hope this event encourages people to have a try for themselves, whatever their age or ability. Maybe we’ll uncover some hidden talent in the city.”
To inspire older people to take up the sport, a feature documentary is being screened as part of the awareness event. The film, Ping Pong, promotes how you’re “Never too old for gold” and follows eight octogenarians taking part in the over 80’s World Table Tennis Championships in Inner Mongolia.
The film is also being shown at community centres, sheltered housing, residential villages, care homes, day centres and selected cinemas around the country.
- A special Ping Pong screening takes at The Duke’s at Komedia, Friday 28th June, 7pm as part of Brighton’s TAKEPART celebrations
- More information about ping pong in the city available at: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/ping
- Details of the Ping Pong Care Campaign are at: www.pingpongfilm.co.uk/campaign
- The BRITDOC Foundation is a not-for-profit created in partnership with Channel 4 Television in the UK to ensure a creative future for documentary filmmaking. Since 2005 BRITDOC has supported over 60 documentaries including current Academy nominee Hell & Back Again, double Sundance winner, Afghan Star, BAFTA winning Chosen and the social change film The End of the Line. Ping Pong is BRITDOC’s first ever UK Theatrical release as distributor.