Author Archives: TT NORTH

The recently concluded TT4ALL event in Fort Providence proved to be a remarkable celebration of Table Tennis. Over the course of seven days, Deh Gah School, the local Table Tennis Club, and the community came together to explore and embrace the sport.

The highlight of the event was an exciting tournament that attracted 26 enthusiastic participants. The competition was fierce, with players showcasing their skills and determination. After a thrilling final match, Neilson Vandell from Fort Providence emerged as the deserving winner. His hard-fought victory against Carter Sadowick, an Arctic Winter Games athlete, added an extra layer of excitement to the event.

What made the TT4ALL event truly special was the overwhelming participation it received. More than 50 individuals, both young and old, took part in the event, eager to try their hand at table tennis. The atmosphere was filled with joy, camaraderie, and a shared passion for the sport.

The success of the TT4ALL event in Fort Providence can be attributed to the collective efforts of the organizers, volunteers, and the entire community. Their dedication and commitment to promoting table tennis as an inclusive and accessible sport were evident throughout the event.

The event not only provided an opportunity for individuals to showcase their table tennis skills but also served as a platform for fostering a sense of community and togetherness. It brought people from different backgrounds and age groups together, creating lasting memories and friendships.

As the curtains closed on the TT4ALL event, the organizers expressed their gratitude to everyone who contributed to its success. They hope that the event’s positive impact will continue to resonate within the community, inspiring more individuals to embrace table tennis as a recreational and competitive sport. With its vibrant atmosphere, thrilling matches, and overwhelming participation, the event showcased the power of table tennis to bring people together and create a sense of unity.

Table Tennis North is thrilled to join forces with the NWT Recreation & Park Association for the Walk to Tuk initiative.

Our team, known as the Ping Pong Rockstars, consists of a talented group of table tennis players. Walk to Tuk presents a fantastic opportunity for residents of the NWT to engage in a safe, healthy, and exciting winter activity. We are eagerly looking forward to seeing all participants on the journey to Tuk and are excited to contribute to this wonderful initiative. Let’s lace up our walking shoes and make this a memorable experience for everyone involved!

Fort Providence, Northwest Territories – Exciting news for Table Tennis enthusiasts in the Northwest Territories! Table Tennis North, in collaboration with Table Tennis Canada and Sport Canada, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Table Tennis For All tournament series. This series of events aims to engage participants of all ages and skill levels in the sport of table tennis while fostering a sense of community and friendly competition.

The Table Tennis For All tournament series will consist of six events, taking place from January to March 2024, in all five regions of the Northwest Territories. These events, known as “Table Tennis Festivals,” will provide participants with an opportunity to learn more about the sport, improve their skills, and enjoy some friendly competitions.

The festivals will feature a range of activities designed to cater to players of all levels, from beginners to experienced players. Participants will have the chance to receive coaching, engage in practice sessions, and participate in various tournament formats. Whether you are a seasoned player or new to the sport, these events offer a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone to enjoy the game of Table Tennis.

Here are the dates for the upcoming Table Tennis For All tournaments:

Fort Providence – Sign up: https://forms.gle/Y4WZ8otu9yggjak37
January 21, 2024
Snowshoe Centre, Fort Providence
Winner: Neilson Vandell, Fort Providence

Yellowknife – Sign up: https://forms.gle/Y4WZ8otu9yggjak37
January 27, 2024, 5pm
William McDonald School, Yellowknife

TBD – Sign up: n/a yet
February 4, 2024

TBD – Sign up: n/a yet
February 25, 2024

TBD – Sign up: n/a yet
March 3, 2024

TBD – Sign up: n/a yet
March 30, 2024

All events will start at 10:30am with an open competition. So, anyone can join. We also have prizes available for the winners:

1. Place $150 gift card local store
2. Place $75 gift card local store
3. Place $25 gift card local store

The organizers of the Table Tennis For All tournament series extend a warm invitation to anyone interested in participating. Regardless of age or skill level, everyone is welcome to join these events and experience the joy of Table Tennis. Whether you are looking to compete, learn, or simply have fun, these festivals provide a fantastic opportunity to engage with the sport and connect with fellow Table Tennis enthusiasts.

To sign up for the Table Tennis Festivals or to obtain more information, please visit the Table Tennis North website or contact the event organizers directly. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to be a part of the table tennis community in the Northwest Territories.

Get your paddles ready, mark your calendars, and join us for an unforgettable series of Table Tennis For All events!

We are thrilled to welcome back esteemed coach Steve Rowe, who played a pivotal role in the success of Team NT during the 2018 and 2020 Arctic Winter Games. Steve’s return marks an exciting development as he joins the team in preparing for the upcoming 2024 Arctic Winter Games. 

Steve will lend his expertise and experience to assist in the preparation of Team NT, ensuring they are ready to compete at their best in the highly anticipated Arctic Winter Games. His guidance and mentorship will be invaluable in helping the athletes reach their full potential and showcase their skills on the international stage.

In addition to his involvement with Team NT, he will also contribute to the development of Table Tennis Festivals and the Community Sport for All Initiative across all regions of the Northwest Territories. These initiatives aim to promote inclusivity, active participation, and community engagement in sports throughout the territory.

Recognizing the importance of virtual programs in the current landscape, Steve will play a key role in building a virtual training program for NWT athletes. This program will provide athletes with the necessary resources and support to continue their training and development, even in the absence of in-person events and competitions.

Furthermore, he will actively support the Freestyle Ping Pong Challenge, an exciting event that encourages creativity and innovation in table tennis. This unique challenge pushes the boundaries of traditional table tennis and showcases the versatility and skill of the athletes. His involvement extends beyond the competitive realm as he contributes to building the School Program and Coach Development initiatives. By sharing his knowledge and expertise with coaches and educators, he aims to enhance the overall sporting experience for young athletes in the Northwest Territories.

Expressing his excitement about returning to the NWT, Steve stated, “I am thrilled to be back in the Northwest Territories and to have the opportunity to work with such talented athletes and dedicated coaches. Together, we will strive for excellence and create a positive impact in the sporting community.”

The NWT eagerly anticipates the incredible developments that will unfold under Steve Rowe’s guidance and expertise. With his return, the stage is set for a remarkable year of sporting achievements and community engagement.

Stay tuned for updates on the progress and accomplishments of Team NT and the exciting initiatives led by Steve Rowe. The Northwest Territories is poised to witness extraordinary feats in the world of sports.

Calling all active seniors in the Northwest Territories! If you’re looking for an exciting opportunity to showcase your skills and connect with like-minded individuals from across Canada, then joining Team NWT for the Canada 55+ Games is the perfect choice for you.

Hosted in Québec City from August 27-30, 2024.

What are the Canada 55+ Games?
The Canada 55+ Games is a national multi-sport event held every two years, specifically designed for Canadians aged 55 and over. It serves as a platform for seniors to engage in friendly competition, promote active living, and foster social connections.

Joining Team NWT:
To be eligible to join Team NWT, you must become a member of the NWT 55+ Games Association. The membership fee is currently set at $10.00 per year or $20.00 per cycle, payable every second year during the Games year. By becoming a member, you gain access to the numerous benefits and opportunities associated with participating in the Canada 55+ Games.

The NWT 55+ Games Association maintains membership in both the CSGA and Sport North, ensuring that Team NWT is well-represented and connected within the larger sporting community.

Expression of Interest Form
Team Selection Policy
Information Sheet

Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to showcase your skills, make new friends, and embrace an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Join Team NWT and be a part of the Canada 55+ Games!

You can find more information on the Sport North website: https://www.sportnorth.com/games/canada-55-games-0

Have a look at the Canada 55+ Games website: https://canada55plusgames.com/

We are celebrating a year filled with achievements and exciting developments. From expanding its reach to participating in prestigious games, Table Tennis North has made significant strides in its mission to provide opportunities and possibilities for the youth in the North.

Throughout the year, Table Tennis North focused on teaching and engaging more communities in the Northwest Territories. By introducing table tennis to new areas, the organization aimed to inspire a love for the sport and promote an active lifestyle. Additionally, Table Tennis North prioritized the development of coaches, ensuring that the sport continues to thrive and builds capacity in the communities.

One of the highlights of the year was the organization’s participation in both the Arctic Winter Games and the Canada Winter Games. These events provided a platform for talented athletes from the Northwest Territories to showcase their skills and compete on a larger stage. Notably, the Fort Providence table tennis club is working diligently to send two athletes to the Arctic Winter Games in 2024, demonstrating the growth and potential of the sport in the region.

Table Tennis North also organized the Territorial School tournament, which saw an impressive turnout of almost 150 participants. This event not only fostered friendly competition but also served as a platform for young players to sharpen their skills and gain valuable experience. Furthermore, the Yellowknife Open set a new record with 40 participants, highlighting the increasing popularity of table tennis in the area.

The success of Table Tennis North would not have been possible without the support of its funders, partners, and sponsors. The organization extends its gratitude to the Government of the Northwest Territories, Sport Canada, the Aboriginal Sport Circle, NWT Recreation & Parks Association, Mackenzie Recreation Association, KidSport NWT, Aurora Fort, and Rowe’s Construction. Additionally, Table Tennis North acknowledges the valuable partnerships it has formed with Hockey NWT and Badminton NWT, which have further enriched the sporting community in the North.

As Table Tennis North looks ahead to 2024, the organization has exciting plans in store. More tournaments are on the horizon, including three Table Tennis Festivals in the North Slave, Sathu, and Beaufort Delta regions. These events will provide opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels to come together, compete, and celebrate the sport.

Furthermore, the establishment of the Yellowknife Table Tennis Club will offer even more avenues for youth to explore and engage with table tennis. With increased accessibility and resources, the club aims to nurture talent and create a vibrant table tennis community in the area.

Despite the challenges and uncertainties that may lie ahead, Table Tennis North remains steadfast in its mission. The organization is committed to empowering youth and helping them unlock their full potential, both on and off the table. By fostering a love for table tennis and providing a supportive environment, Table Tennis North is dedicated to enabling young individuals to become the best version of themselves.

As 2024 approaches, Table Tennis North eagerly anticipates the opportunities and achievements that the future holds. With the continued support of its stakeholders and the unwavering dedication of its team, the organization is poised to make a lasting impact on the table tennis landscape in the Northwest Territories.

Our coaches deliver a powerful message through their actions. Wearing ‘Every Child Matters’ and Gender Pronouns pins, we create an inclusive environment where language becomes a tool for acceptance. Let’s honor everyone’s authentic selves and foster a culture of respect and understanding.

Language is a powerful tool for communicating inclusivity in sport. Language is not neutral. It is closely tied to the culture and society in which it is used. Sport is not an equal playing field, it is a sex-segregated world, where not everyone belongs and is welcomed. Sport is however, one of the most powerful platforms for promoting equality and empowering all who participate. One of the ways we can start moving towards equality in sport is with the language we use.

Gender pronouns (he/she/they/ze etc.) specifically refer to the person you are referring to. Pronouns are a part of someone’s gender expression and send the message to others of who they authentically are and how they feel about themselves.

Many non-binary people feel left out of society and often have their pronouns ignored, misused, or discounted.  Non-binary or genderqueer are umbrella terms for gender identities that are neither male or female, boy or girl. 

Below are a few links that can help you practice using other pronouns:

• http://mypronouns.org/she
• http://mypronouns.org/he
• http://mypronouns.org/they
• http://mypronouns.org/ze
• http://mypronouns.org/neopronouns

Safe and Helpful Hints:

• Don’t guess – Ask. It is acceptable to ask someone what pronoun they use.
• Use singular “they/them/theirs” for a person until you have the opportunity to ask about their pronouns.
• You can also use their name until you learn their pronouns.
• If you have trouble remembering someone’s pronoun, it is okay to ask for a reminder.
• If you misuse someone’s pronouns, acknowledge that you have done that and move on.  The best way to show that you care is to try to use the correct pronoun.

Tips for programs and practices:

• Offer a non-binary gender option for membership registration.
• Update registration forms, and online forms, to include the gender pronouns that individuals use.
• Avoid referring to a group or team with “hey guys” or “hey girls”. Use gender neutral language like ‘hey team’ or “hey everyone”.
• Start sharing your pronouns to normalize the behavior of not making assumptions about gender identity. You can start by adding your pronouns to your email signature.

It may take some getting used to. You may feel awkward at times. Correctly using someone’s pronouns allows the person to feel seen and included-and that’s powerful. Ultimately, using gender-neutral pronouns when referring to a group or person, or about a group or person, doesn’t require too much effort on your part. It will make a huge difference in creating a warmer, more inclusive sport environment for everyone.

In the heart of the Northwest Territories, an athlete named Raine discovered her passion for Table Tennis. It was 2017 when she first participated in the NWT School Table Tennis Championships. Little did she know, this was the beginning of an incredible journey.

To Raine, the gold medals she won were not just symbols of victory, but tokens of her growth, confidence, and knowledge of the game. Each time she held a medal in her hands, she felt a sense of accomplishment and pride that was unparalleled. The sport of table tennis had become more than just a game to her. It was a teacher, instilling in her values of perseverance, resilience, and the importance of never giving up, no matter how hard the challenge.

Over the years, Raine’s dedication and skill earned her numerous accolades. From grade 6 to 12, she consistently won gold in the singles category. In mixed doubles, she was a formidable player, winning either gold or silver throughout the same years. The year 2020 and 2021 were challenging due to the Covid pandemic, but Raine didn’t let it deter her spirit. She came back stronger in 2022 and 2023, winning gold in singles and mixed doubles.

Representing her school, St. Pats, was a matter of immense pride for Raine. She felt a sense of responsibility and joy in contributing positively to her school community. Her achievements were not just her own, but a testament to the support and encouragement she received from her school and her coaches.

As Raine prepares to embark on a new journey to university, she carries with her the lessons and experiences from her table tennis journey. She looks forward to exploring new opportunities in sports and is excited about what the future holds for her.

What does this achievement mean to you?
Playing in the Table Tennis tournaments over the years has increased my confidence and knowledge of the game. When I’ve played Table Tennis, I’ve always felt really accomplished and proud.  

What does sport mean to you?
For me, sports teaches values, allows me to have fun, learn new ways to improve my abilities and meet new athletes from around the country. Sports allows me to push myself to do my best and to never give up when something may be hard to do. 

Tell us about your medals …
I have won gold in the singles category from grade 6-12 and have won either gold or silver in mixed doubles throughout the same years. 

2017- Gold in singles, Mixed Doubles
2018- Gold in singles
Silver Mixed Doubles
2019- Gold in singles
Silver Mixed Doubles
2020/2021- Covid 
2022- Gold in singles 
2023- Gold in singles, Mixed Doubles

What does it mean to represent your school?
Representing my school, St. Pats, gives me a sense of pride by positively contributing to my school community.

What’s next?
I’ll be off to University this fall! I will be getting involved in sports as well as any sport related opportunities that may come available. I’m really excited to see what the future holds for me. 

Raine’s story is a testament to her character. As Thorsten Gohl, the Executive Director of Table Tennis North, rightly said, “Raine is a role model, a leader, and just a wonderful human being. We are proud of you and are looking forward to many amazing things to come to you.”

Raine’s journey is a shining example of how sports can shape a person’s life, teaching them invaluable lessons and helping them grow into better individuals.

Hockey NWT and Table Tennis North have taken a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and diverse sporting environment by coming together to form a joint committee focused on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). 

This collaborative initiative is a testament to their commitment to ensuring that all participants, regardless of their background, feel welcomed, respected, and valued. The committee aims to promote equal opportunities, celebrate diversity, and foster an inclusive culture within both sports. By working together, Hockey NWT and Table Tennis North are setting a precedent for other sporting organizations, demonstrating that unity and collaboration are key to achieving progress in EDI. This joint committee is not just about policy-making, but also about creating a positive change in the sporting community, where everyone can thrive and enjoy the sports they love.

Committee Member Shakita Jensen (she/her), “What I am most excited for is being part of an initiative that aims to diminish barriers and celebrate diversity, making sport a safe and enjoyable environment for all.”

The committee is committed to foster an inclusive and diverse environment within the organizations. It was created for the benefit of all and aims to have representation across the entirety of the NWT. You will see our members at the Arctic Winter Games trials this week, so if you see them say “Hi” to Thorsten, Beverly and Shakita. 

We are always open to welcoming more members who share our values and are passionate about promoting equity and diversity in sports. If you would like to learn more or get involved, please send an email to [email protected] or [email protected]. Our committee is proud of the diversity we have already achieved and will continue to work towards creating an inclusive space for all.

Grateful for another incredible year, and a heartfelt thank you to our amazing funding partner, the NWT & Nunavut Lotteries. Your unwavering support for sports and recreation in the Northwest Territories is truly commendable. Together, we’re making dreams come true and building a stronger, healthier community. #Gratitude #Partnership #SportsForAll #weareallteamnt