Table Tennis Enthusiast Celebrates Brighton Club’s Inspiring Coaching Program
On May 1, 2024, Table Tennis England Chair Nick Donald paid a visit to the Brighton Table Tennis Club that proved to be truly inspiring. During his time at the club, Nick had the opportunity to witness first-hand the impactful coaching program led by Paralympic champion Will Bayley.
As Nick met with club founder Tim Holtam, he was delighted to see Will guiding a group of players with Down’s Syndrome through a weekly coaching session. This heartwarming scene culminated in a special moment, as Nick was able to personally present Will with the prestigious ITTF Male Para Player of the Year award for 2023.
“I was surprised and delighted to be met by this wonderful group of players who were enjoying a weekly coaching session from Will,” Nick remarked.
Will had previously been recognized for his outstanding achievements at the ITTF Awards held in Busan, South Korea, during the World Championships in February. However, he was unable to attend the ceremony as he was preparing for the ITTF Astana Para Open in Kazakhstan. Nick’s visit provided the perfect opportunity to honor Will’s accomplishments in front of the enthusiastic club members.
Will’s remarkable success in 2023 included defending his World title and adding the European title to his impressive resume. He is the first British player to be recognized with the prestigious ITTF award, which was first presented in 2013.
The heartwarming scene at the Brighton Table Tennis Club serves as a testament to the transformative power of the sport and the dedicated coaches who inspire players of all abilities. As table tennis enthusiasts, we can take immense pride in the positive impact of initiatives like the one showcased at the Brighton club.
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