Every year on June 23, the world comes together to celebrate Olympic Day, a global movement that unites people through the joy of sport and physical activity. Inspired by the founding of the International Olympic Committee in 1894, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the Olympic values: excellence, friendship, and respect.

This year’s theme, Let’s Move, is a call to action. It’s about inspiring everyone, in every corner of the globe, to take a step, swing a paddle, jump, stretch, or simply find joy in motion.

At Table Tennis North, we are proud to be part of this global celebration. Whether it’s youth picking up a paddle for the first time, coaches leading inclusive community programs, or Northern athletes dreaming of international podiums, movement is at the heart of everything we do.

Why Table Tennis?

Table Tennis is a sport that reflects the Olympic spirit in every serve and rally:
•It builds focus, coordination, and confidence.
•It brings people together across generations and cultures.
•It’s accessible, adaptable, and full of joy, whether played on a kitchen table or a competition stage.

Olympic Day History

The first Olympic Day was celebrated on June 23, 1948, and today, more than 150 National Olympic Committees participate each year. The event includes fun runs, youth festivals, community workouts, and now more than ever, creative, culturally relevant ways to get moving.

Our Northern Contribution

Table Tennis North is committed to supporting the Olympism365 vision, making sport more accessible and inclusive across Canada’s North. Through school programs, community events, mentorship, and leadership development, we are helping build resilient, healthy communities, one swing at a time.

Share Your Movement

Join the global conversation! Post a photo or video of how you’re getting active and tag: #LetsMove | #OlympicDay | #TableTennisNorth #weareallteamnt

Let’s show the world how the North moves, with energy, connection, and community spirit. Thank you to all our players, coaches, volunteers, and partners who help bring the Olympic spirit to life every day in the Northwest Territories.

Happy Olympic Day from all of us at Table Tennis North!

June 21st marks National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada, a day to recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across the country.

In the North, this day holds deep meaning. It’s more than a celebration, it’s a reflection of identity, community, and the strength that has carried Indigenous peoples through generations. At Table Tennis North, we are honoured to share space, build relationships, and learn alongside the communities we serve.

Sport as Connection

Table Tennis may seem like a small paddle and ball game, but in Northern communities, it has become a tool for connection. It brings Elders and youth together, offers moments of joy and movement, and supports wellbeing through play. Our programs are shaped by the people and places we work with. We listen, adapt, and celebrate the unique ways sport can be practiced and shared.

Walking Together

On this day, we recommit to listening deeply and walking alongside Indigenous communities in a spirit of respect, partnership, and humility. Whether we are delivering a tournament in Fort Smith, hosting a school workshop in Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́, or offering mentorship in Inuvik, we recognize that sport happens on land, and land holds memory, meaning, and teachings.

Stories That Matter

We believe in lifting up local voices. Whether it’s an Elder sharing a teaching, a youth stepping into leadership, or a community coming together for a ping pong night at the school gym, these are the stories that matter. These are the stories we want to honour and grow with.

Thank You / Mahsi Cho

To the Indigenous coaches, players, volunteers, and families who have opened their communities to Table Tennis North, Mahsi Cho. Your guidance helps us shape a sport experience that is inclusive, meaningful, and grounded in community values.

While completing his Advanced Coaching Diploma, Thorsten also took part in and successfully completed the PacificSport Vancouver Island Coach Academy, an eight-month program that supports coaches through NCCP courses, applied coaching workshops, and mentorship.

For Thorsten, this wasn’t just about personal growth, it was about bringing valuable learning back to the North and to the sport of Table Tennis. Programs like this provide far more than sport-specific knowledge; they create space for coaches to connect, share, reflect, and grow together across disciplines and regions.

The PSVI Coach Academy, which Thorsten completed in June 2025, offers a flexible model through a mix of online sessions, self-paced coursework, and mentor-driven activities, all supported by experienced educators and coaches.

A huge thank you to Spider Jones at Sport North for introducing this opportunity to NWT coaches and for the financial support through the “They Can Coach” program. This kind of investment ensures that coaches from Northern communities continue to thrive, learn, and lead with heart.

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.