Blitz Table Tennis Club’s ‘Bat and Chat’ sessions have now started and they are attracting an increasing number of participants of differing ages and abilities. This is already a well-established local club, benefitting from professional coaches and standards that range from beginner to England representation, being supported by Table Tennis England to provide Table Tennis facilities on a ‘Bat and Chat’ basis, for people locally and over 50.
These sessions are fun and informal, with an opportunity for some time off the table during each session, to have a drink and talk among fellow players. They are social sessions and not too serious, but may have a range of standards mix together, from complete beginner to local league players.
The aim with this initiative is to generally raise awareness of the fitness and mental health benefits of table tennis and to promote the social aspects and increased well-being benefits the game can bring.
Table tennis has been shown to be an excellent sport to play later in life, some of the key reasons are below:
- It is a sport that you can play socially and competitively until late in life (up to 90+ years of age).
- It’s a great sport to be able to play but also chat and share humour during the match (players are only five metres away from each other at either end).
- The sport has shown to have great health benefits with strong evidence to show playing table tennis helps to reduce the risk and slow down the effects of Dementia and Alzheimer’s.
More specifically the club hopes that the Bat and Chat sessions will lead to increased membership generally and participation in the table tennis club and assist with the club’s sustainability longer term.
The sessions take place at the Gainsborough Academy on a Thursday evening, as this is the club’s social night. The club is open from 6.30pm to 9.00pm and the cost is £3.00 per participant for each session. The tables and bats and balls, etc, are freely available and all the club asks that any players wear suitable shoes, such as training shoes.
For further information, please contact Blitz Club Chairman, Steve Fox on 07920 041925, who will be happy to help with any enquiries.