MORE than 100 people over the age of 65 took part in the county’s second annual Ping Pong tournament hosted by Hampshire County Council’s Older People’s Wellbeing Team.
On Saturday October 3 the players and their supporters gathered at Fleming Park Leisure Centre, Eastleigh, in this event which saw individuals and teams pitch their table tennis skills against each other in a fiercely-fought contest.
Two extra ping pong tables had to be added this year to accommodate players for this over subscribed competition.
Among the winners was 75-year-old Peter Williams, from Cheriton.
Hampshire County Council’s executive member for adult social care, Cllr Liz Fairhurst, who played a game of table tennis with Mayor of Eastleigh Councillor Jane Welsh and awarded prizes said: "It was fantastic to see this event so well supported.
"Table tennis is an activity that anyone can take part in and last year’s event has clearly inspired more older people than ever before to have a go. Those who get involved in social and physical activities benefit from improved physical and emotional wellbeing - all of which help people to continue to live independently."
The oldest player, 95-year-old Mrs Rita Tanner from the New Forest, competing for the second time, said: "It’s just fun and I enjoy playing."
The tournament was supported by volunteers, many of whom were Hampshire Game Makers during the 2012 Olympics.
The tournament winners were: Women’s over-65s - Jill Clarke, from Gosport; men’s over-65s - Roger Barnacle, from Odiham; women’s over-75s - Beryl Baptist from Emsworth; men’s over-75s - Peter Williams, from Cheriton.
He said: "I don’t belong to any table tennis club. This is the first time I have played table tennis in 25 years. I came as a lift to a couple of ladies who are beginners and I thought if I was going to stay I might as well sign up to play."
To find out more about ping pong clubs and activities organised by the county council’s Older People’s Wellbeing Team specifically for the over-65s visit www.hants.gov.uk/ping-pong