The Victorian Country Championships, nicknamed ‘Country Week’, is one of the premier competitions on the TTV calendar and has some of the best and most loved history amongst our tournaments. The excitement of going away with the team, competing against clubs from around Victoria for the shields and taking on the singles events are some obvious highlights. Not to mention the fun of finishing the day off with a few drinks alongside your teammates or laughing about the days play over dinner, simple things that add to the long list of what makes Country Week so fantastic.

2021 marks the 70^th anniversary of the event and to celebrate its wonderful history we reached out to some of the players who have made this event so special over so many years.

You do not have to ask too many people “who comes to mind when they think of Country Championships” to hear the name Mark Smith. The Ballarat TTA stalwart has been playing at the club for the last 33 years and during that time has only missed the event once or twice, he has played so many not even he can quite remember the total number.

“I started playing table tennis as I had a lot of family who have played the sport. My mum, my Grandparents and my uncle all played, and my mum and Nan are both life members of Ballarat,” said Mark.

“I played a fair bit as a Junior but never really enjoyed training so never took it too seriously. I have pretty much only played once a week since I was about 16 or 17 in the Ballarat competition and entered into Country Week every year and occasionally the Ballarat open.”

Sticking to pennant and entering Country Week each year, as well as the occasional Ballarat Open, is one of the reasons Mark believes he still loves the sport so much. And is hoping to see his two eldest sons, who also play at Ballarat, carry on the tradition.

In 2019 the new “A Grade” Team Shield was named for Mark in honour of his years of dedication and success to the Country Championships. Pinning down your favourite moment or year from three decades is difficult but there are a couple of wins that stand out in his eyes.

“A couple of moments come to mind, the first one was winning the mixed doubles with my mum on two occasions and the second is any of the twelve “A Grade” winning team shields I have been part of. All of these have been quite memorable,” said Mark.

“My first men singles victory was probably my favourite win. It was against Wayne Greaves, from Geelong, in a very close game more than 20 years ago.”

Despite the great table tennis, the shields, and the chance to take home singles titles, the best part of the Country Championships in Marks view is still the comradery and atmosphere as well as getting to see plenty of old faces. Something that will be even more special in 2021 following the cancellation of last year’s event.

“The best part about Country Week without a doubt is getting away with the Ballarat group, playing as a team then catching up for a meal and a few quiet drinks with everyone after the days play is something I will always look forward too,” said Mark.

“Being able to catch up with people that I only see at Country Week each year from the other associations is also a great highlight.”

With three decades of experience, winning the “A Grade” team shield twelve times, (that is now named after him), plenty of success and lifelong friendships from across Victoria, it’s easy to see the appeal of this amazing tournament.

The 2021 Country Championships will take place at MSAC starting Saturday June 12 and carry on through the Queen’s Birthday long weekend. We look forward to seeing plenty of members here packing out the table tennis halls!