With the Tokyo Paralympics set to take place in just over one week, we are delighted to announce the launch of the TTV Para Table Tennis Hub.

In the TTV Para Table Tennis Hub. you can access information about groups and programs around Victoria that specialize in all abilities (AAA) sport, TTV clubs and venues that provide para-access and programs, membership options, information on getting classified as well as TTV and TTA High Performance Pathways for players who would like to take the next step in the sport.

This also includes information about the Physical and Disability Participation Program that TTV has recently received funding for via VicHealth’s Reimagining Health: A VicHealth Partnership Grant. Which you can read more about here.

This will be directed towards paid coaches, purchasing equipment and marketing to increase participation and awareness of the program at The Hangar in Tullamarine.

The Physical & Disability Participation Program at The Hangar is open to all para players, regardless of ability or classification. Whether you are Dani Di Toro training for the Paralympics or someone giving para table tennis a go for the first time, it’s an all-inclusive program that welcomes anyone. We hope with this funding that the program will grow and continue to provide support for many of the wonderful para-athletes we have in Victoria.

Keen to see the growth in para participation across Victoria, TTV CEO, Ritchie Hinton, is excited about the opportunity.

 "One of the advantages that table tennis has over many other sports is how accessible and adaptable it is for players with a physical disability,” Hinton said.

"From a Victorian perspective, we are incredibly proud that our own Melissa Tapper was the first athlete to represent Australia at both the Olympics and Paralympics in Rio 2016, and will do the same in Tokyo.

"TTV is keen to consolidate and improve its position as a leading body in para sport and supporting the Physical & Disability Participation Program located at The Hangar is a key part of that. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to discover the next Victorian Paralympic (& Olympic!) representatives.”

TTV’s Participation and Programs Officer, Sean Sturrock, recently visited the Hangar during training to catch up with coach, Mick Tomlinson, and discuss the steps that will improve the program that primarily runs on Sunday’s at 10am.

The pair were equally as optimistic about the future of the program and para table tennis across the state.

“Para activity is certainly a field we want to increase our presence in at TTV. This funding and the support of the TTV Para Table Tennis Hub is just a small step in getting more people involved in the sport and playing more often, especially those with a disability” said Sturrock.