What an incredible year it has been for the Fort Providence Table Tennis Club! From regular training sessions and local tournaments to traveling for competitions and building friendships, our club has grown stronger, faster, and closer.

This year wasn’t just about medals or rankings, it was about showing up, trying your best, and becoming better on and off the table. We are so proud of every athlete who stepped up this season. Most importantly, you should be proud of yourself. Every serve, every rally, every act of kindness or effort, it all matters.

Here are this year’s Club Award winners:

Most Improved Player – Zander Sabourin
Zander has come a long way since first picking up a paddle. He’s shown consistent improvement every practice, recently qualified for his first Fort Providence Major Championship, won the 2025 Dehcho Open Doubles, and placed 3rd in the Youth Category. His dedication and attitude point to a bright future ahead!

Sportsmanship Award – Neilson Vandell
Neilson has set the bar for sportsmanship this season. Win or lose, he treats every opponent with respect and kindness. He’s always lending a hand, offering encouragement, and bringing a positive energy to the club. His leadership and generosity do not go unnoticed.

Player of the Year – Kaleb Sabourin
Kaleb has had an outstanding year. Approaching his second year with the club, he’s made massive strides. His achievements include:

• 2025 NT School Champion
• 2025 Fort Providence Major 1 Winner
• 2025 Dehcho Open and Youth Open Champion

At only 11 years old, Kaleb has already defeated some of Fort Providence’s top players. He’s consistent, focused, and passionate, and we can’t wait to see where table tennis takes him next.

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and to every member of the Fort Providence Table Tennis Club. Whether you held a paddle for the first time or pushed yourself to new limitsm your journey is worth celebrating.

Let’s keep growing, learning, and lifting each other up, one point at a time.

June 14, 2025 | Fort Providence, NT

The sound of paddles and cheers echoed through the new Territorial Training Centre in Fort Providence as the community came together for the 2025 Fort Providence Table Tennis Club Championships. With youth and adults alike stepping up to the table, it was a day filled with excitement, skill, and sportsmanship.

The event featured three divisions: Youth Singles, Open Doubles, and Open Singles. Showcasing both the growing talent in the community and the strength of the Table Tennis Family in the North.

Youth Singles
🥇 Isaiah
🥈 Kaleb
🥉 Zander

Open Doubles
🥇 Isaiah & Kaleb
🥈 Zander & Neilson
🥉 Calin & Kevin

Open Singles
🥇 Neilson
🥈 Kevin
🥉 Kaleb

Zander Sabourin, one of the medalists, captured the spirit of the event best:
“I had fun. I like to play Table Tennis.”

More than just competition, the championships were a celebration of community, growth, and opportunity, made possible by the new Territorial Training Centre and the continued support of partners like Sport North.

From newcomers to experienced players, every participant contributed to an atmosphere of encouragement and inclusion. Events like this are vital for empowering Northern youth, building confidence, and creating memories that stretch far beyond the table.

Congratulations to all players, and a heartfelt thank you to the volunteers, coaches, and supporters who made this day possible.

The 2025 Yellowknife Open was a powerful celebration of sport, youth leadership, and community, and at the heart of it was Neilson, whose passion, organization, and commitment supported the event.

Representing the Fort Providence Table Tennis Club (Ft Prov TTC), Neilson took on a leading role in bringing this event to life. From coordinating logistics to supporting athletes on and off the table, Neilson’s work went far beyond the visible, it was a true act of service to the sport and the Northern community.

Thanks to his dedication, we witnessed:

• Youth leadership in action
• A welcoming, respectful space for players of all levels
• A powerful reminder that Table Tennis continues to grow strong in the Northwest Territories

Neilson not only helped run the event, he also competed with heart and excellence, earning gold in singles and silver in doubles. His ability to lead while still supporting others is a testament to the kind of role model and teammate he continues to be.

On behalf of the community, mahsi cho, Neilson. Your efforts made this tournament more than just a series of matches. You helped create a lasting memory for athletes, coaches, families, and fans. We can’t wait to see what you do next.

The 2025 Yellowknife Open brought together Table Tennis athletes, families, and supporters from across the North for a weekend filled with thrilling rallies, fierce competition, and heartfelt community spirit. Hosted by the Fort Providence Table Tennis Club, this year’s event was more than just a tournament, it was a celebration of resilience, youth leadership, and the growing passion for Table Tennis in the Northwest Territories.

Thanks to the generous support of Canada Service Corps, Small EconomyWorks, and Inspire NWT, we were able to host a vibrant, inclusive tournament that welcomed players of all ages and levels. Mahsi cho for helping us bring people together and grow the game in meaningful ways!

Medalists – Singles Category

🥇 Neilson
🥈 Masaya
🥉 Kathleen

Congratulations to everyone who competed, your energy lit up the gym and reminded us all why we love this sport. Whether on the podium or not, every athlete contributed to the powerful spirit of the weekend.

Medalists – Doubles Category

• 🥇 Kathleen & Tommaso
• 🥈 Neilson & Kaleb
• 🥉 Raine & Masaya

The doubles matches were packed with dramatic rallies and moments of true sportsmanship, proving once again that when we play together, we all win.

Building Something Bigger

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the volunteers, coaches, parents, and organizers who continue to show up for sport and youth in the North. A special thank you to the Fort Providence Table Tennis Club, whose leadership and vision continue to create new opportunities for athletes across the territory.

To every player, supporter, and partner, thank you. The Yellowknife Open was a reminder that Table Tennis is more than a game, it’s a movement. And this is just the beginning.

We’re excited to announce that Table Tennis North is now an official affiliate partner of Major League Table Tennis (MLTT), the newest and most exciting professional table tennis league in North America! As part of this partnership, you can now gear up and save with 10% off all MLTT merchandise using our exclusive code:

Code: TTNORTH10

https://mltt.com/shop

From jerseys to fan apparel, represent the sport in style and support the growth of table tennis at both the grassroots and professional levels. Let’s rally together. Let’s grow the game.

Proud to support the future of Table Tennis, on and off the table.

Serving Equality. Smashing Barriers.

At Table Tennis North, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, welcoming space to play, grow, and belong, on and off the table. As we celebrate Pride Month, we stand in solidarity with 2SLGBTQIA+ athletes, coaches, families, and community members across the Northwest Territories and beyond.

Sport has the power to bring people together, to create connection and confidence, and to challenge outdated norms. That’s why we’re committed to making table tennis a place where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is intentional, and everyone can thrive, regardless of who they are or who they love.

This month, and every month, we are proud to support initiatives that promote equity, challenge discrimination, and uplift voices from across the spectrum of gender and identity.

Let’s keep building a sport community rooted in respect, love, and courage, one rally at a time.

PrideMonth #TableTennisNorth #ServeWithPride #SmashBarriers #2SLGBTQIA #InclusionInSport #PrideInTheNorth

Table Tennis North is proud to support an exciting national initiative led by Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities and the Aspen Institute’s Project Play, the State of Play Youth Survey 2025.

This important survey is designed to capture the voices of youth across Canada and understand how young people experience sport and play today. From access and inclusion to motivation and support, your answers will help create real, positive change in how youth sport is delivered.

Deadline: June 30, 2025
Who Can Participate: All youth ages 8–18
What It Covers:
• What sports you’re playing (or want to try)
• Why you’re playing — or not
• How coaches, parents, and other adults impact your experience
• What would make sport better for you

Your feedback is anonymous, voluntary, and powerful. Take the survey now: https://rezed.io/1PLYN1, or scan the QR code on our poster!

Let’s make sure that youth voices are at the heart of how we grow sport across the North and beyond.

The Canada Games Council has officially announced that the 2027 Canada Winter Games will take place in Québec City from February 27 to March 14, 2027, bringing the Games back to where it all began 60 years ago in 1967.

This marks the fourth time Québec has hosted the Canada Games, following Sherbrooke 2013 (Summer), Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean 1983 (Winter), and the original Games in 1967.

A Big Moment for Table Tennis

Table Tennis North is already looking ahead with excitement and purpose. This event not only offers athletes the chance to compete at a national multi-sport event, it provides a platform to showcase skill, commitment, and the power of community sport in the North.

Event Schedule Highlights

According to the official schedule released by the 2027 Host Society, Table Tennis competition will run from March 2–6, 2027, in the second week of the Games.

• Competition Dates: March 2–6, 2027
• Venue: Yet to be confirmed by the Host Society

Key Details from the Technical Package

Here are some highlights from the published technical package for Table Tennis:

• Events include:
  • Team Events (Boys & Girls)
  • Singles (Boys & Girls)
  • Doubles (Mixed)
• Teams consist of 3 athletes per gender
• Each province/territory can send up to 6 athletes + 2 coaches
• Athletes must be born in 2009 or later (U19 category)

You can download the full technical package HERE.
And the Games Schedule HERE..

What’s Next?

As we continue developing our athletes and communities, Table Tennis North is committed to preparing for these Games with purpose. From grassroots programs to the Territorial Championships and high-performance camps, every moment on the table brings us closer to Québec 2027.

Follow the Host Society at jeuxducanada2027.ca and on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates. Let’s go, Team NT!

The Fort Providence Table Tennis Club is proud to bring the excitement of competitive Table Tennis back to Yellowknife with the upcoming Yellowknife Open. This event is part of a growing effort to support and strengthen the local Table Tennis community while offering more regular competition opportunities for players of all ages and levels.

Held in Yellowknife, the event will gather players from across the territory for a day of fast-paced rallies, friendly competition, and community connection. The Fort Providence Table Tennis Club, known for its leadership in the North’s Table Tennis development, is committed to making Table Tennis more accessible and active across the NWT, and this tournament is one more step toward that vision.

“I’m excited to host a tournament in Yellowknife to help grow the table tennis community and bring more people together. I’m really looking forward to some friendly competition and the chance to make new connections through the sport I love.” — Neilson Vandell, Fort Providence Table Tennis Club

More information on the Yellowknife Open: https://tabletennisnorth.ca/yellowknife-open-june-7-8/

A huge thanks to Small Economy Works in providing a Micro Grant to Neilson for making this, and a few other events happening.

This initiative reflects the Club’s belief that building a strong Table Tennis culture doesn’t just happen at home, it grows through shared events, shared stories, and shared tables. Stay tuned for results and photos from the Yellowknife Open!

By Thorsten Gohl

Earlier this year, I completed the Advanced Coaching Diploma (ACD), Canada’s highest level of coach education. What I thought would be a structured academic experience turned out to be something far more impactful: a human journey of reflection, purpose, and growth.

Delivered through the Coaching Association of Canada and partners like the Canadian Sport Institute, the ACD focuses on developing high-performance coaches not just in technical skill, but in leadership, planning, and personal integrity. The program is built around five core competencies:

•Coaching Leadership
•Coaching Effectiveness
•Performance Planning
•Performance Analysis
•Program Management

At first, these seemed like deliverables. Tasks. But over time, I saw them as interconnected threads, ways to anchor coaching in something more meaningful.

Coaching in the North, Coaching in Community

I didn’t enter the ACD with a crisp coaching philosophy or fancy binders. I came in with experience, walking beside youth, supporting communities, and creating space for learning. The ACD helped me put language to what I was already doing, and offered structure to keep doing it better.

Tools like the GAPS analysis, Yearly Training Plan (YTP), and Individual Performance Plan (IPP) weren’t just assignments to be submitted. I treated them as living documents, shared, updated, and centered around athlete needs. These tools became springboards for conversations, both with athletes and fellow coaches.

A Ripple of Support

This journey wasn’t mine alone. I was supported by Sport North, through the “They Can Coach” grant, which made this learning possible. And I was surrounded by mentors and peers who challenged and encouraged me along the way. One reflection that stuck with me: “Your legacy goes far beyond coaching, it’s about how you empower others and create sustainable change.” — Adam, ACD Mentor That’s what it’s really about. Not output. Not results. But the ripple effect, the space we create for others to grow.

The Final Presentation: A Mirror

It wasn’t until the final presentation that the journey truly landed for me. That space became a mirror. A chance to reflect not just on what I’d learned, but on who I had become. And in that space, the feedback I received wasn’t about performance, it was about presence. It was a reminder that the work we do quietly, consistently, and with care, matters.

Looking Ahead

The ACD gave me tools, language, and structure. But more importantly, it gave me confirmation, that coaching is a living system. One that evolves through relationships, conversations, and a shared vision for what’s possible.

If you’re a coach interested in growing your practice, or just want to talk about what this journey could look like, I’d be happy to share more.

This isn’t the end of a plan. It’s the beginning of a ripple.