BONDI - TABLE TENNIS - NOT ONLY SURFING

"Bondi," originally "Boondi" is an Aboriginal word which has the same meaning as the word "surf" in English. Its first record was made as early as 1899, and it describes the meaning as "noise made by sea waves breaking on the beach.

Today, Bondi can play tennis as well with the effort of Guy Fainbloom, who is the Silver Medal Winner of Table Tennis New South Wales Open Championships Men’s Open Singles in 2004 and 2006. Guy is also Table Tennis Australia Accredited Level One Coach.

The location: Margaret Whitlam Recreation Centre - Indoor Sports Court

The address: Waverley Park, Bondi Road, Bondi Junction NSW 2022

The time: Every Tuesday, 10:00am - 13:00pm

Cost: $8 and $6.50 for pension

The Margaret Whitlam Recreation Centre is located on Bondi Road in beautiful Waverley Park with one 1000 square meters multi function indoor sports court and one café store overlooking Waverley Oval to the sea. The court is wheelchair accessible with 10 ITTF approved table tennis tables.

Table tennis improves hand-eye coordination, is aerobic, uses both the upper and lower body, and causes you to use many different areas of the brain to function. No previous experience is required, and players of all abilities are welcome.

Only a third of seniors over 55 years of age are meeting national guidelines for minimal levels of regular physical activity. While about 44% of them are prevented from participating due to injury and disability, others report lack of opportunities, facilities and clubs in their area. Compared to the rest of the population, seniors face a higher risk of social isolation, physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle linked to chronic health disorders.

Guy said: “We welcome all levels of skill, all ages, particularly for aged 50 years and over. It is a recreational and social environment. So give it a try! Come and join the fun, keep fit and make new friends.”

Ted Davis, Vice President of TTNSW, said: “As a global sport, many countries promote the health benefits of table tennis to their older population. It is a social game for any age and modifiable to fit most fitness levels.

There is mounting scientific evidence on the holistic benefits of table tennis, such as better cardiovascular health and cognitive performance, as well as gains in emotional and social outcomes in older adults.

Scientific evidence and medical experts around the world acknowledge that recreational table tennis increases concentration and alertness, stimulates brain function, helps with the development of tactical thinking skills, hand/eye coordination, provides aerobic exercise and social and recreational interaction. The sport is therefore important in combating neuro-cognitive decline and promoting mental well-being, particularly in the elderly, and often prescribed as a therapeutic option for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.”

More details contact Guy Fainbloom on 0414 272 822 or guybloom@yahoo.com.au