2022 METROPOLITAN INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

2022 Metropolitan Independent Schools Table Tennis Championships were successfully completed on 12 March 2022 at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Halls. The competition has now successfully completed its fifth year of operation and includes students from six metropolitan independent schools.

Originally the competition was organised by Newington College, then Table Tennis NSW became the organiser of the competition which runs for five weeks in Term 4 of the school year and a further five weeks in Term 1.

Although COVID forced the cancellation of the Term 4 competition in 2021 the students were extremely keen to recommence for a one term competition in 2022. Each school provides five teams of two players in the competition which is organised on a Davis Cup format.

The students were well supported by parents, teachers and official TTNSW Coaches with around 100 people were present each week at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Halls .

Although competition was fierce the students invariably displayed impeccable sportsmanship and camaraderie. It was not unusual to see boys from different schools offering advice to their opponents after hostilities were completed for the day.

Every match counted in the entire competition, Knox Grammar cleared out from the rest of the field with a total of 113 matches wins and triumphed for the second year in a row.

The King’s School was in second place with 96 wins, Newington College was in third place with 66 wins, Scots College was in fourth place with 39 wins, Saint Ignatius College Riverview was in fifth place with 37 wins, and Trinity Grammar School was in sixth position with 24 wins.

Table Tennis has been played over many years at Newington. Although not an official AAGPS Sport, Table Tennis is growing in popularity and Newington encourages all players to participate in competitions between schools. Newington houses 14 table tennis tables and a coaching robot to accommodate up to 60 students, who receive professional coaching from Mr Guy Fairnbloom, assisted by Newington teaching staff with three 90-minute training sessions per week in Terms 1 and 4.

The Vice President of TTNSW, Ted Davis, said: “TTNSW is delighted that the Metropolitan Independent Schools Table Tennis Championships have been successfully organized for the fifth years. TTNSW is working closely with all the table tennis community especially with schools in NSW to promote our sport and develop more athletes from the grassroots level to the elite level.“

Ted continued:” TTNSW aims to promote and organise sporting championships and competitions at all schools. Using supportive relationships, a welcoming environment and a diverse range of activities, the young men/women in our programme develop improved self-esteem and confidence which assists them to participate in education, employment, and society in a positive way.”

Ted emphasized: “Our approach has proven to be very successful, not only in attracting young men/women to our sports and keeping them there, but also in having them embrace more disciplined, purposeful and healthy lifestyles. All schools in NSW are welcome to contact TTNSW via email: mail@ttnsw.org.au to arrange table tennis events in schools. We look forward to the next round of the competition in Term 4 of this year when the schools will once again gather at Olympic Park to resume play.”

David Lee and Michael Li wish to gratefully acknowledge Sam Irwin, Newington College and Amy Chen, Knox Grammar School.