Barry Wright
Two table tennis enthusiasts are revitalizing the sport by reviving a local club.
Rory Goulding and Tom Rocca say the Sarnia Table Tennis Club will meet for three, 12-week sessions each Tuesday and Thursday evening in the gym at Paterson Presbyterian Church on Russell Street South.
Each night will include two, 90-minute sessions from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
The 12-week sessions are $45 each.
The first session began on Tuesday.
The club was expecting between 25 and 30 players to come out for the sessions, but Rocca said those numbers could double with walk-in traffic.
“We're hoping to get out every type of player,” said Goulding, noting that both elite players and those wanting to learn more about the game are invited to attend.
“Primarily, it's come out and play matches,” he said. But the club is also considering some instructional time for those taking up the sport for the first time.
Each session will conclude with a tournament and if enough players sign up, the club could become affiliated with the Ontario Table Tennis Association, allowing it to hold larger tournaments with players from across the province.
“It's never too late to play and get good at it,” said Rocca, noting the best player in our region, Didier “DJ” Milliquet, is in his 60s. Milliquet won the provincial championship in his category earlier this year.
“It's a lifetime sport,” said Goulding. “You can improve your whole life.”