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Locals shine in community forum table
tennis final
December 11, 2007
Residents showed off their smash, slice
and topspin in the final of Newham's inter-community forum table
tennis challenge on Sunday.
The event, which completed a series of competitions in
each forum area, took place at Newham Leisure Centre, Prince Regent
Lane, Plaistow.
More than 150 people turned out to support players that made it
through the forum heats to the grand final. More than 300 people
played in the heats.
Executive member for community forums, Councillor Richard
Crawford, said: "It was thrilling to see people representing their
local area in table tennis. There was a positive response from both
participants and spectators and we'll certainly be holding similar
sports competitions in the future."
The competition had three categories for young people: eight to 12
years, 13 to 15 years and 16 to 18 years, as well as an adult's
challenge.
Winner of the adult's competition, Rahit Kumar, represented Custom
House and Canning Town forum and began playing table tennis at age
ten.
He said: "It was a wonderful tournament, very well organised and
I'm so thankful to Newham Council for encouraging the community to
play table tennis. There was a sense of competition but also a
sense of friendliness and positive energy. I had a difficult final
match but it was amazing to win it and I felt like a star."
The other winners were Ryan Bueno of Custom House and Canning Town
in the eight to 12 category, Luca Mariano of East Ham in the 13 to
15 age group and Anil Vekaria of East Ham in the 16 to 18
category.
The final was also a fun day out for the whole family, with free
health check-ups, entertainment, massages and refreshments.
The community forum table tennis challenge was part of the
borough-wide LIVE LIFE campaign, which aims to get people active in
the community.
There are nine community forums in Newham working to make each
local area a safer, healthier and more interesting place to
live.
For more information about community forums freephone 0800 519
4015 or email
community.forums@newham.gov.uk |
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