In a well-deserved recognition of her dedication and expertise, Shari Olsen, Territorial Umpire with Table Tennis North, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Officials of the Year Award by Sport North. This accolade celebrates Shari’s outstanding contributions to officiating on a territorial, national and international level and highlights her unwavering commitment to the sport of Table Tennis.

Over the past five years, Shari has been a cornerstone of the officiating community, lending her skills and passion to various events, from the NWT School Championships to high-profile competitions like the Arctic Winter Games and Canada Winter Games. Her consistent presence and reliability as a Territorial Umpire have earned her respect and admiration from players, coaches, and fellow officials alike.

Shari is very grateful about the recognition, “Officiating isn’t just about making calls, it’s about giving back to the sport we love. Witnessing athletes grow and share their passion on the court is truly rewarding.”

Receiving the Officials of the Year Award signifies a significant milestone in Shari’s officiating career, signaling her transition to the national level and opening up new opportunities for growth and development. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the rules and regulations of Table Tennis, Shari is poised to excel as she takes on more challenging roles and responsibilities as a National Umpire.

Shari’s passion for the sport shines through in her work, as she continuously seeks to enhance her skills and expand her knowledge base. Her proactive approach to learning and her willingness to mentor and support her colleagues exemplify her exceptional leadership qualities and dedication to fostering a positive officiating environment in the Northwest Territories.

As Shari embarks on this new chapter in her officiating journey, the Table Tennis community in the NWT is excited about the prospect of her continued growth and success. With her unwavering commitment to excellence and her passion for guiding and empowering others, Shari is not only a role model for aspiring officials but also a driving force behind the development of officiating standards in the Territory.

Congratulations to Shari Olsen on receiving the 2024 Officials of the Year Award, a well-deserved honor that recognizes her outstanding contributions to the sport of table tennis and her exemplary leadership within the officiating community. We look forward to witnessing Shari’s continued achievements and the positive impact she will undoubtedly make as she advances in her officiating career.

Coach Thor, a dedicated mentor and leader in the field of sports coaching, has taken a significant step forward by enrolling in the Advanced Coaching Diploma program offered by the Canadian Sport Institute Alberta. This intensive one-year program focuses on deepening understanding of the core principles of the National Coaching Certification Program in collaboration with the Coaching Association of Canada.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the program, Thor shared, “It is a great opportunity to connect with coaches from various sports, exchange knowledge, and forge valuable connections. I am eager to bring back insights and experiences to share with fellow Table Tennis Coaches in Canada and coaches in the Northwest Territories.”

As part of the program, Thor recently completed a thought-provoking assignment titled “Living My Coaching Philosophy.” Through this exercise, he delved into his personal beliefs, values, and aspirations as a coach, gaining valuable insights into his coaching approach and philosophy.

In his presentation, Thor articulated his vision, mission, and values as a coach, emphasizing the importance of creating positive and meaningful experiences for athletes and coaches, fostering personal growth, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. By aligning his coaching philosophy with the five competencies of the national coaching certification program, Thor has honed his skills and deepened his understanding of effective coaching practices.

Thor’s commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement shines through in his reflective journey, as he navigates the complexities of coaching and strives to make a positive impact on the athletes and coaches he works with. His dedication to holistic development, encompassing the mind, body, and spirit, underscores his passion for nurturing talent and fostering a culture of excellence in sports.

As Coach Thor continues his educational journey through the Advanced Coaching Diploma program, the sports community eagerly anticipates the valuable insights and contributions he will bring back to the table. His dedication to personal growth and professional development serves as an inspiration to aspiring coaches and athletes alike, embodying the spirit of lifelong learning and excellence in coaching.

“A huge thank you to Sport North and the Mackenzie Recreation Association in contributing in this learning experience.” – Thor, ChPC (Chartered Professional Coach)

The future looks bright for Coach Thor as he thanks Sport North and the Mackenzie Recreation Association in supporting the continuation learning as he embarks on this transformative coaching journey, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact he will make in the realm of sports coaching and mentorship.

Ivy Liao, a Canadian National Team Athlete, has taken on a mentorship role with Table Tennis North. The British Columbia resident will be supporting Table Tennis Athletes from the Northwest Territories as they prepare for the 2024 Canadian Championships, the 2026 Arctic Winter Games, and the 2027 Canada Winter Games. This mentorship will cover various aspects such as social interactions, coach mentorship, and athlete mentorship, with monthly sessions led by the Pan American Games medalist. The focus will be on monitoring the progress of the athletes and supporting them in maximizing opportunities to reach their full potential. Additionally, a training camp will be planned in collaboration with the National Team athlete. 

Ivy Liao: “The sport of Table Tennis has blessed me with so much growth, purpose, and appreciation since I first started competing 15 years ago; I’m very excited to share my experiences and support the talented athletes and coaches from the Northwest Territories as they prepare for success in their participation at upcoming competitions and multi-sport Games.”

The community is excited about the future prospects and achievements that Ivy Liao’s mentorship will bring. They will also be cheering for Ivy as she competes in the 2024 Olympic Games Qualification event in Lima, Peru from May 14-18, 2024.

Biography
Won bronze as part of the women’s team at the Lima 2019 Pan American Games
Competed at the ITTF World Championships in 2016, 2017, 2022, 2023, and 2024
Won singles bronze at the 2022 Canadian Championships
3x Canadian U21 women’s singles champion (2016, 2018, 2019)
Won medals in six of seven events at the 2018 Canadian Championships, claiming national titles in U18 girls’ singles, U21 women’s singles, U18 mixed doubles, and women’s team
Won two silver medals and one bronze at the 2015 Canada Winter Games
Seven-time medallist at the junior Pan American Championships

A Little More About Ivy

Getting into the Sport: Started playing table tennis at age 7 when a friend of her parents recommended they enroll Ivy and her brother at a local club to keep them active during a community centre strike… Played in her first national championships at age 9…Outside Interests: Graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Commerce in April 2023… Enjoys reading, watching other sports and movies and spending time with her family when not training, competing and studying… Odds and Ends: Inspired by Canadian badminton player Michelle Li for both her mindset and international results… Favourite quote: “Isn’t it funny that day by day nothing changes, but when you look back, everything is different.” – C.S. Lewis…

Also known as Red Dress Day, May 5 honours the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirit, and gender diverse people in Canada by encouraging learning and building awareness to end violence against Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirit, and gender diverse people.

Call to Action 41 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report calls on the federal government of Canada to begin an inquiry into the numerous cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

Sport North offers a Coach Development Grant to support NWT coaches in attending customized professional development and education opportunities that will enhance their skills and abilities.

Application: https://forms.monday.com/forms/8f087c76c3ae27ffb2b0a6d5bb78e7da?r=use1

Here is more information:

Karissa Sadowick’s journey with table tennis began when she crossed paths with Steve Rowe from Ping Pong Literacy during his visit to the Northwest Territories several years ago. In a small community of 700 people, Steve introduced his innovative program on Table Tennis Physical Literacy, integrating the sport with subjects like Mathematics and English for students in Kindergarten to Grade 3. It was in this setting that Karissa first experienced the joy of table tennis, learning to balance a balloon and engaging in fun activities centered around the sport.

Fast forward five years, and Karissa has emerged as a shining star in the world of table tennis, clinching a gold medal at the Arctic Winter Games. Her dedication, countless hours of training, and unwavering support for her community and club have propelled her to success, proving that with hard work, anything is possible.

Thorsten Gohl, Executive Director, emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities and possibilities for youth to reach their full potential. “At just 11 years old, Karissa stands as a remarkable example, already a two-time Arctic Winter Games athlete with a coveted gold “Ulu” in her collection. Beyond her athletic achievements, Karissa’s commitment to fair play and community involvement sets her apart, making a positive impact on those around her.”

As we continue to follow Karissa’s journey, we eagerly anticipate witnessing the incredible accomplishments that lie ahead for her and the inspiring influence she exerts on her community and peers. Karissa Sadowick exemplifies the spirit of determination, sportsmanship, and excellence, embodying the essence of a true champion.

We look forward to celebrating Karissa’s future successes and the positive impact she continues to make in the world of sports and beyond.

During National Volunteer Week, we want to acknowledge the remarkable efforts taking place in the Northwest Territories.

A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated volunteers who consistently support our Table Tennis community, giving their all to make a difference. Without your commitment, our organization would not exist, and our athletes would not have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Your passion for the sport and dedication to creating opportunities for youth are truly inspiring.

Thank you, volunteers, for your invaluable contributions to our community.

Table Tennis North is delighted to announce the highly anticipated return of the Table Tennis For All event in Hay River on March 30th, 2024. This event, which promises to be a thrilling and inclusive celebration of table tennis, invites players of all levels to showcase their skills in a friendly and competitive environment.

The event will feature an Open category, providing an opportunity for Table Tennis enthusiasts of all ages and abilities to come together and participate in exciting matches. Whether you are a seasoned player or a newcomer to the sport, this event is the perfect platform to engage in spirited competition and connect with fellow table tennis enthusiasts.

To register for the event, interested participants can access the sign-up sheet available on our website or contact us via email at [email protected] for additional information. We encourage everyone to mark their calendars and join us at the Recreation Centre in Hay River on Saturday, March 30th, 2024, for a day filled with camaraderie and thrilling table tennis action.

The event schedule is as follows:

• Facility opens at 12:00 pm
• Open category matches begin at 1:00 pm

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to be a part of the Table Tennis For All event in Hay River. We look forward to welcoming you on March 30th for a memorable day of Table Tennis excitement.

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/th9KQHhpp7uCdh3J8

For further inquiries, please reach out to:
Table Tennis North
Email: [email protected]

Yellowknife’s very own Table Tennis prodigy, Kathleen Cai, made waves in the community as she was featured in Table Tennis Canada’s Women in Table Tennis campaign on Wednesday, March 27th. The talented Team NT athlete captivated audiences with her insights, challenges, and love for the sport in a series of social media posts and a video interview.

In her responses, Kathleen shared the challenges she faces as a young athlete, offered valuable advice, and expressed her deep passion for Table Tennis. Her thoughtful and inspiring answers resonated with fans and fellow players alike, showcasing her maturity and dedication to the sport at just 12 years old.

During the video interview, Kathleen discussed her efforts to introduce her friends to the sport and highlighted the joy and fulfillment she derives from playing table tennis. Her enthusiasm and genuine love for the game were evident as she shared her experiences and insights, further solidifying her status as a rising star in the table tennis world.

Kathleen’s exceptional skills and dedication were on full display at the recent Arctic Winter Games in Alaska, held from March 10-16. The young athlete’s impressive performance saw her bring home three Ulu’s, including a Gold medal in Juvenile Female Doubles, a Silver medal in Juvenile Mixed Doubles, and a Bronze medal in Juvenile Female Singles. Her remarkable achievements at the Games underscored her talent, hard work, and competitive spirit, earning her well-deserved recognition and admiration from her peers and supporters.

As Kathleen continues to excel and make her mark in the world of Table Tennis, she serves as a shining example of sportsmanship, positivity, and dedication both on and off the table. Her infectious smile, passion for the sport, and unwavering commitment to excellence make her a true role model for aspiring athletes and a source of inspiration for the Table Tennis community.

Table Tennis Canada Facebook

Table Tennis Canada Instagram

With her bright future ahead and a string of impressive accomplishments already under her belt, Kathleen Cai is poised to achieve even greater success and make a lasting impact in the world of table tennis. We eagerly anticipate witnessing her continued growth, achievements, and positive influence as she continues to shine brightly in the sport she loves.

KathleenCai #TableTennisCanada #WomenInTableTennis #ArcticWinterGames #TeamNT #YouthAthlete #RoleModel #Sportsmanship #TableTennisCommunity