Table tennis has been attracting a core group of players in the Morden-Winkler area, and they will have another chance to compete next month.
The third annual Crusty Bun Morden Open table tennis tournament takes place at the Access Event Centre on Saturday, April 25.
Morden recreation programmer Brookelyn Wolfe shared the past two tournaments have been a success, with numerous adults and a few teenagers coming out to take part.
“Last year, we sold out at 32 spots, and this year we’re adding in doubles, so we will see how that goes,” she said. “I was really happy with the turnout last year.”
The tournament will again have two levels, with the top three in each category receiving a trophy.
“The A level was a bit more competitive, and the B level was still competitive but for different skill levels,” explained Wolfe.
She noted they appreciate having the assistance of the Manitoba Table Tennis Association.
“They come out every year to help us get the tournament running smoothly. They’ve been a great help in getting table tennis up and running in Morden here. They are great to partner with.”
For those who might like to learn some of the basics of the game before taking on a tournament, Wolfe noted they will be offering lessons the coming weeks.
“I am going to be introducing a four-week thing to learn how to play table tennis in early April,” she said, noting it will be for ages six and up and run Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. starting March 31.
Meanwhile, residents are also invited to come out to play at the weekly drop-in program every Wednesday evening at the Access Event Centre.
“We are seeing some consistency with people coming each week,” said Wolfe, noting the program’s popularity comes, in part, due to a “desire to just get out and find some sense of community, or even just get active throughout the year.
“It’s a really fun sport, and it’s fairly easy to pick up. It’s not really daunting, something where you have to run a lot and over exert yourself. It appeals to people of all ages and skill levels, I think,” she added. “Some people have great skill … but to be able to pick it up is fairly easy.”
For those interested in the tournament, early bird registration by March 31 will be $30 per player for singles and $60 per team for doubles. Starting April 1, those rates will go up to $35 for singles and $70 for doubles. You can register at morden.ca/rec-programs.
On tournament day, singles will play from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with doubles to follow from 3-5 p.m.
They’re also looking for volunteers to be officials. Training is provided. Contact Wolfe at bwolfe@mymorden.ca for more information.
