Top table tennis tips
Young table tennis enthusiasts at a Barry school are benefiting
from expert tuition.
Former Welsh table tennis international George Evans (pictured
left), who is a Vale of Glamorgan resident, is helping pupils at St
Richard Gwyn RC High improve their game as part of an after school
activity being organised in conjunction with the Welsh Assembly's
'5x60' initiative.
The initiative is run by the Sports Council for Wales and
supported by the Vale council through its sport development team.
It aims to encourage secondary school pupils to participate in
physical activity for one hour on at least five days a week.
Ben Williams, who is the
5x60 officer at St Richard Gwyn and Barry Comprehensive, said:
“Having a former world ranking player help us is a real bonus.
George was patient and informative and has, hopefully, helped
pupils improve their knowledge of the sport and their game.”
George is current chair of the Table Tennis Association of Wales
and has won numerous Welsh titles. Last year he was a medallist in
a championship in Germany which attracted more than 3,500 veterans
from around the world.
George and colleague John Edmunds, who is also an experienced
player, have generously volunteered to pass on their wealth of
knowledge to help young players in the area.
Running the club is a non PE member of staff, Helen DaCruz, who
has kindly given up her time to be part of the 5x60 initiative and
provide pupils with extra sporting opportunities.
Three tables and numerous bats and balls have been provided
through the initiative, and the club is open to students from Years
7 to 11.
With Ben at the helm, and such willing volunteers as
George, John and Helen in support, it is hoped the club has a
bright future. Through the 5x60 initiative, Ben runs 10
extra-curricular clubs (two per day) each week.
Imparting his invaluable knowledge and expertise, George also
visits the Welsh medium comprehensive Ysgol Bro Morgannwg on a
Wednesday. The Bro Morgannwg club started last September, and
George has witnessed a vast improvement in playing standards.
Bro Morgannwg 5x60 officer Elin Leyshon said: “Table tennis
clubs have become really well established in several Vale schools
and we may even be considering a tournament for the youngsters in
the near future."
For more information, please contact Ben Williams on 07725
829801 or Elin Leyshon on 07809 551375. Alternatively, log on to
the Vale council website at www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/sportsdevelopment for
more details.
07/03/2008