Table Tennis Victoria (TTV) is proud to highlight the innovative strides taken by the Coburg Table Tennis Club in promoting inclusivity and accessibility within the sport. Recently, we had an insightful conversation with Charles Stiles, a committee member at Coburg Table Tennis Club. Charles spoke about the exciting developments surrounding the club’s new table designed specifically for vision-impaired players. This initiative not only exemplifies the club’s commitment to inclusivity but also showcases the positive impact and principles that TTV and its member clubs have on the society. 

Promoting Vision-Impaired Table Tennis 

When asked about the new initiatives at Coburg Table Tennis Club, Charles was keen to highlight the club's inclusive approach. “The Coburg T.T.C. and the Brunswick and Coburg Vision Impaired Table Tennis Association approached this new initiative very proactively,” he said. This initiative aims to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for vision-impaired players to enjoy and excel in table tennis. 

The Inspiration and Process Behind the New Table 

The journey to create a specialised table for vision-impaired players began with a collaborative spirit. Charles recounted, “I introduced the Coburg T.T.C. President to the Association, and they mutually decided to introduce this new innovation together. The President offered to finance the construction and installation of a custom-made table since such tables are not commercially available.” This decision was wholeheartedly supported by the club’s committee, demonstrating their commitment to inclusivity and innovation. Charles took on the role of supervising the project, ensuring its successful completion. 

Unique Design Specifications 

Creating a table for vision-impaired players required significant modifications from conventional table tennis tables. Charles explained, “Because of the nature of the game, a table designed for vision-impaired table tennis needs to be much more durable. It is larger, and the timber selected needs to be sturdy and durable. The colour needs to provide sufficient contrast for partially sighted players, and the finish must be appropriate for the playability of the game.” These thoughtful design considerations ensure that the table meets the specific needs of vision-impaired players, providing them with an optimal playing experience. 

Community Response and Impact 

Since the introduction of the new facility, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. “So far, 12 participants have stated they will play at the club,” Charles shared. He anticipates that integrating both vision-impaired and regular table tennis at the same facility will benefit all players, fostering a more inclusive and diverse sporting environment. “This will enhance the club’s broader sporting curriculum and give everyone the opportunity to experience both games,” he added. 

An Invitation to the Community 

Charles extends an open invitation to both vision-impaired players and the broader community. “Our promotion of the game would be similar to our promotion of regular table tennis. Come and try it, it’s a fun and challenging game for both vision-impaired and fully sighted people of all ages,” he encouraged. This approach ensures that everyone feels welcome and valued at our club. 

The Role of Table Tennis Victoria 

Charles sees Table Tennis Victoria’s support as crucial in promoting this new program and is thankful for the support TTV extends to promote such new innovations and programs. “Seeing the game as a sister game to regular table tennis and promoting it accordingly will help increase the awareness about the new possibilities in the sport”. Looking ahead, the club plans to host interclub and Association competitions, as well as social events, to further promote vision-impaired table tennis and foster community engagement. 

Details of the New Program

The vision-impaired table tennis program at Coburg Table Tennis Club is set to run every fortnight, every second Monday from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, including a lunch break. “The sessions will take place at the same time as regular table tennis group coaching, giving players of both games the opportunity to participate and experience both games if they choose to and socialise together,” Charles explained. This approach will also encourage social interaction and community building. This initiative not only enriches the sporting experience for vision-impaired players but also strengthens the bonds within the table tennis community. Table Tennis Victoria is proud to support such initiatives and looks forward to seeing the positive outcomes of this pioneering project. 

Author: Sai Gupta