Table Tennis Victoria’s Take it to the Table Pop-Up ping pong event saw thousands flock to Grazeland from the 6th-8th October for an incredible weekend of table tennis activities. 

With 10,500 people exposed to the benefits of table tennis and 3,500 people engaging with the tables throughout the weekend, it was a momentous success for table tennis in Victoria. 

The activation featured eight outdoor all-weather table tennis tables from Table Tennis Victoria (TTV) (TABLE TENNIS VICTORIA) partner Pongo which were spread across the popular outdoor entertainment venue which features over 50 food and drink outlets as well as music acts and DJs.  

On Saturday TTV ran several ‘Top-Table’ competitions to test the skills of the Grazeland public and give away table tennis rackets as prizes to foster continued connection with table tennis. Also on the Saturday a function was held for key partners of TTV to build connections with various stakeholders including representatives from Table Tennis Australia, Olympians and Paralympians, the Centre of Multicultural Sport and Proud2Play. 

On Sunday there were exhibition matches and demonstrations from four upcoming Victorian junior national players Lucas Lum, Yi-Jen Sun, Victoria Zhang, and Serena Zhang. This gave Grazeland attendees the opportunity to see the sport operating at its highest level with the chance to have a hit with these players and get some tips as well.   

The event encouraged connections for people from Melbourne’s west who were brand new to table tennis, typified by an 8-year-old boy called Zane who had never played table tennis before who played on one of our tables for over 3 hours practicing and learning tips to get better. He enjoyed it so much he is going to join his local club in Sunshine. 

Following the activation multiple individuals who tried table tennis at the event have been put in touch with their local table tennis clubs and associations to continue their connection with table tennis. It was great to have the support of local club LOOPS Table Tennis with coaches and athletes coming down to support the activation too. 

Grazeland Director John Forman was really pleased with how the weekend turned out. 

“The TTV Pop-Up Ping Pong weekend at Grazeland was an enormous success. Patrons loved the activation, and it created a real buzz and energy over the entire weekend,” said John. 

 “There wasn’t a spare table from Friday Night until Sunday Night. Congratulation to the team from TTV and Pongo World!” 

Gen Dohrmann, TTV CEO was also really satisfied with the outcomes of the weekend. 

“I just loved running our Table Tennis Victoria Take it to the Table Pop-Up event at Grazeland on the weekend. It was great to take table tennis to a new environment surrounded by food and drinks with music playing and to attract a new audience to the sport. We spoke to many of the participants who took part about joining their local club to continue their playing journey, so we’re excited to see the impact,” said Gen. 

Jack Ryan, Pongo Founder, was also very positive following the event. 

“One of our key objectives was to bring Ping-Pong and the social aspect of Table Tennis to the people. It was great to see people picking up bats for the first time, having a hit and learning new skills all with a smile over the event's duration. Also seeing all generations playing was fantastic. Grandparents versing their sons and daughters and even their grand kids! These are great memories being made,” said Jack.  The event was made possible by Small & Medium Event Program funding from the Victorian Government. TTV also would not have been able to run this event without the support from Grazeland and Pongo.  

 If you are interested in having table tennis at an upcoming Victorian event or festival, please email Noah at: participation@tabletennisvic.org.au