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The 55+ Games in Quebec City are fast approaching, and excitement is building as athletes from the Northwest Territories prepare to join in the competition. Let’s meet two of our dedicated participants who are ready to showcase their skills in table tennis.

Lesley Paulette

This will be Lesley’s first Canada 55+ Games, and she is eager to compete in the 65+ category. “I signed up for the Games because I figured, why not? And if not now, then when?” she shares. Lesley has a deep passion for table tennis, and after a lifetime of caring for others, she sees this as an opportunity to focus on herself. “It keeps me fit and active and challenges me mentally and physically—all good things for someone getting older by the day. I never had a chance to compete before, so when this opportunity came up, I couldn’t let it pass me by.”

Lesley expects the Games to be challenging but filled with fun. She looks forward to sharing the experience with fellow Team NT participants, creating lasting memories together.

Mike Pickles

Mike is also participating in his very first 55+ Games, competing in the 55 age category. When asked why he signed up, he said, “To increase my athletic abilities, make new friends, and to represent the NWT.”

His expectations for the Games are grounded in a philosophy of openness: “My expectations are to assume nothing. I want to fully immerse myself in the Games, embrace any disappointments, and carry the NWT flag with pride!”

Schedule for Our Athletes:

The competition will take place at ExpoCité, and here’s the schedule for our athletes:

Wednesday, August 28th

• 09:00 AM: Michael vs. Bill Pounden (ON) – Table 2
• 10:30 AM: Michael vs. Brian Wurts (ON) – Table 1
• 01:00 PM: Lesley vs. Gloria Lam (ON) – Table 2
• 01:30 PM: Lesley vs. June Wan (ON) – Table 2
• 02:00 PM: Lesley vs. Karen Cambridge (ON) – Table 3
• 03:00 PM: Lesley vs. Weijun Fang (ON) – Table 3

For more information about the event, visit the ExpoCité website: ExpoCité. You can also find the table tennis rules here and follow the results here.

Wishing our Team NT athletes all the best at this event. We know that you will make us proud!

As we celebrate Canada Day, we reflect on the history and achievements of our nation. Today, we honor the diverse cultures and communities that make up our country, recognizing the valuable contributions of Indigenous Peoples—First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.

This day offers an opportunity to reflect on our shared history and the path forward. We acknowledge the deep and enduring relationship between Canada and Indigenous communities, and we are committed to reconciliation and healing.

Here are some suggestions for celebrating Canada Day in a way that acknowledges and respects Indigenous communities:

1. Land Acknowledgment: Begin your Canada Day celebration by acknowledging the traditional Indigenous territories on which you are gathered. This is a way to recognize and honor the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded the land for generations.

2. Indigenous Cultural Activities: Incorporate Indigenous cultural activities into your Canada Day celebrations. This could include traditional dances, music performances, storytelling, or art demonstrations. Invite Indigenous artists, performers, or knowledge keepers to share their talents and traditions.

3. Learn and Share Indigenous History: Take the opportunity to learn more about the history, contributions, and resilience of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Share this knowledge with others through conversations, presentations, or educational materials. Understanding the past is crucial for building a better future.

4. Support Indigenous Artists and Businesses: Purchase Indigenous artwork, crafts, or products from Indigenous-owned businesses. This not only supports economic empowerment but also helps promote and preserve Indigenous culture.

5. Participate in Reconciliation Initiatives: Engage in activities that promote reconciliation and bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. This could include attending workshops or events focused on Indigenous rights, supporting initiatives that address social justice issues, or volunteering with organizations working towards reconciliation.

6. Foster Mutual Respect and Understanding: Encourage open and respectful dialogue about Indigenous issues. Engage in conversations that promote understanding, empathy, and awareness of the challenges faced by Indigenous communities. This can help build stronger relationships and foster a more inclusive society.

Remember, celebrating Canada Day with Indigenous relations is not just a one-day event. It is an ongoing commitment to cultivating meaningful relationships, supporting Indigenous rights, and working towards reconciliation throughout the year.

On this Canada Day, let us celebrate our unity while continuing to learn from one another, fostering respect, understanding, and meaningful partnerships. Together, we can build a future rooted in equity, justice, and mutual respect.

Hay River, Northwest Territories, August 7, 2023 – It is with excitement that we are announcing that Hay River, Northwest Territories, is the host for the 2023 Canadian Table Tennis Championships from September 22-24, 2023. This prestigious tournament will bring together the best Canadian Table Tennis athletes from all over the country! For many years, it has served as a platform for these talented individuals to showcase their skills and compete against one another in a bid to become Canadian Champion.
 
“The town of Hay River is excited to be chosen as the host of the 2023 Canadian National Table Tennis Championships! We look forward to welcoming all the participants into our community and showcasing our recreation facilities. Town Council thanks Table Tennis North for coordinating this event and the many contributing partners and volunteers.” Mayor Kandis Jameson, Hay River
 
In advance of the tournament, Table Tennis North will schedule a Table Tennis Festival from September 15-17, an exciting event that aims to bring together youth from various communities in the Territories. This event is not just about hosting a series of Table Tennis matches, but also about fostering unity, promoting sportsmanship, and providing a platform for young people to showcase their skills on and off the table. The Festival will feature a variety of sports, including Northern and Dene games, offering a unique blend of modern and indigenous culture. One of the highlights of the Festival will be the opportunity for participants to play on the courts of the Canadian Table Tennis Championships. This experience will inspire our youth to pursue their passion in sports, including Table Tennis, bridge communities together and empower our next generation of athletes.
 
We are also thrilled to announce that we will be hosting a Coaches and Officials Clinic from September 18-20. This initiative is a direct result of the tremendous success witnessed during the 2023 Arctic Winter Games with an immense potential for growth in coach and officials development. As part of our commitment to fostering excellence in sports, we have partnered with Table Tennis Canada, the Aboriginal Sport Circle NWT and Sport North to offer a series of courses. This will also be an opportunity to celebrate National Coaches Week from September 16-24. These courses will provide valuable training and education opportunities for coaches and officials, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their respective roles.
 
“Table Tennis North is honored to be hosting the prestigious Canadian Table Tennis Championships in our small northern community. This event serves as a testament to our ability to successfully organize and host major sporting events, proving that size is not a limitation when it comes to showcasing our capabilities. The legacy left behind with equipment staying in the Territories, and training for officials and coaches demonstrates our ability to achieve greatness through strong partnerships. This not only fosters a sense of pride and ownership but also allows for continued growth and development in various fields. Additionally, the training of officials and coaches will ensure that there are knowledgeable and skilled volunteers to guide and mentor aspiring individuals. We Northerners can achieve anything when we come together and set our minds to it. It serves as a powerful reminder that with the right resources and support, we can overcome any obstacle and leave a lasting impact on our communities.” – Marny Twigge, Vice-President of Table Tennis North and Hay River resident
 
“Table Tennis Canada is very excited to have its National Championships in Hay River in the Northwest Territories. This is a unique opportunity for our players, coaches, and officials to discover the Canadian North while competing for national titles. We thank the organizing committee, Table Tennis North, and the Town of Hay River for all their efforts and hard work to stage a successful event. We wish the participants all the best in their competition, and we are sure that they will have a unique experience.” – Adham Sharara, President of Table Tennis Canada
 
The success of this event is made possible through the generous financial support of various organizations, including the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, the Aboriginal Sport Circle, Sport North, Table Tennis Canada and the Town of Hay River. Their contributions ensure that this championship is a resounding success, promoting the sport of Table Tennis and fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among athletes and spectators alike.
  
“On behalf of the Sport North Federation, we congratulate Table Tennis North in their successful bid to host the National Championships being held September 22-24th, 2023 in Hay River. Thank You to the Town of Hay River for welcoming Table Tennis Athletes, Coaches and Officials from throughout Canada, to participate in this incredible occasion. Hay River’s Spirit, Good Will and Experience in hosting large events, will no doubt make the Championships a true success.” – Bill Othmer, Executive Director
Sport North Federation
 
Table Tennis North, along with all partners, is thrilled to extend a warm welcome to our communities and the best Canadian Table Tennis athletes for an exciting event in Hay River from September 15-24, 2023. Whether you are a passionate Table Tennis enthusiast or simply curious about the sport, this event is sure to leave you inspired and entertained. More information about the events will be provided in the upcoming weeks. We look forward to seeing you there and creating unforgettable memories together.

So many amazing things are happening in the North that are worth while featuring. Check out what happened just this week in the Northwest Territories. Here are just a few …

Yellowknife teenager Tanaka Muwirimi has travelled to the Premier League’s West Ham United in pursuit of his dream: European academy soccer.

https://www.facebook.com/cabinradio/posts/pfbid0FvzrcGi8nEsiSNTrzCNy8JYcD3E58NnXnmAF1P514nqDptQXTxVuse1PR2Y3jFpDl

Darren Horn already has an accomplished resume when it comes to coaching volleyball, but he’s about to add another line to that. And it may be the biggest one yet.

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0u2eyBzrjgP79YQAkyX5XdjHnBtaXRgwqYHPPDr1yJa2V8Gw3QzsJ7A5t3B7SAaxEl&id=100063916566185&mibextid=qC1gEa

Good luck to our U19 Wolverines who are headed to Alberta this weekend! Stay tuned for results!

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0ofqsjCt9YKsgjMeYBW9pdZV3E2fQ37bY47YBydvFkVPCSh3MA824EuVcSXNSmjDBl&id=100028020686926&mibextid=qC1gEa

Congratulations to the NWT’s Blair Chapman who has leveled up to Starter 3B!!

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02vm23xGCZFta2JjhRggLdtkCNfy8yhfpqLR52KymMBysdorxp3686Gu4eZUoDYMAGl&id=100048612863355&mibextid=qC1gEa

Hockey NWT and former NHL’er Curtis Glencross at the Hay River Golf Club having a blast with the youth!!!

https://www.facebook.com/hockeynwt/posts/pfbid0xZRfgwYZjHRG6Ak4pPcxbtK6uLSqn3mNoPNVVfyZbSi9q4NL2QPkeLamzbuaYLp6l

Beth Warner-Hudson on behalf of Table Tennis North

“Who are we without the love we have for our children? It is this
hope of a good life for our children, our grandchildren, and those
who are yet to come that this work is based in. It is the work of the
previous generations who have sacrificed themselves in knowing
that the future generations will need space to exist as per the
instructions of the Creator. Space where they will be free to grow
and thrive as the Creator intended; for our children to be good
people and to live a good life. Only, our children can’t do that.”
– Grand Chief Gerry Antoine of the Dene Nation,
speaking at the Dehcho Physical Literacy Conference;
Fort Providence, Northwest Territories; March 2022
Physical activity for Indigenous Peoples across Turtle
Island is more than just the enjoyment and benefit of
movement: it’s a foundation for living “the good life”
that Indigenous Elders and Ancestors have continued
to pass down to the next generation. Since time
immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have lived, thrived
and grown in harmony with the Land and all our
relations with Mother Earth. Colonization took away
the ability to speak, to share, to grow and to pass on
our teachings to the next generation. A lot was lost and
there is still a lot to reclaim. How has this impacted
how Indigenous Peoples engage in physical activity?
The Dene Nation exists within the colonial borders of
the Northwest Territories and is home to many distinct
nations and regions that have shared relationships with
the Land known as Denendeh since time immemorial.
Grand Chief Gerry Antoine, elected representative for
the Dene Nation within the Assembly of First Nations,
recently spoke at the Dehcho Physical Literacy
Conference on the importance of storytelling and
passing on knowledge to the next generation of young
Leaders. The Dehcho Region of the Northwest Territories
is helping to better understand and deliver quality
physical literacy programming as a leader in the field
in the North.

What is “the good life,” and why is it important for
Indigenous Children? Canada now exists as a settler
state in our global society, which erases and limits
what we know about Indigenous Peoples and their rich
histories with the Land. Being on the Land is one way
in which to share, support and learn from the very
knowledge holders who want so badly to pass on their
teachings to the next generation. Our ability to pass
on these gifts was stolen because of Indian Residential
Schools, and while we have been able to maintain some
knowledge through whispers and storytelling from those
who escaped, we are critically aware of the losses – of
language, ancestors, family members, culture and identity.
But that does not mean there is no hope for a better future.
Indigenous Communities across Turtle Island are diverse
and vast, and all have their own teachings, languages and
cultural protocols. There is no “one way” to bring together
all Canadians on the field or in the gym, but there are
ways in which we can work together to bring back what
was lost. While it is important to avoid generalizing
about all Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island, there
is unification in our responsibility as Guardians and
Stewards of Mother Earth to protect, honour and respect
her, and to live the good life she continues to gift us every
day. Indigenous Peoples do not view physical activity as a
singular domain for achieving the benefits of health, but as
one of the important areas of life in which we must remain
balanced to be healthy.

We cannot exist as grounded, healthy and thriving Peoples
if our lives are out of balance. Balance is achieved by
supporting the individual as a whole and taking a holistic
perspective on wellness to address barriers to physical
activity; our physical health will not be good if our social,
emotional, intellectual, spiritual and cultural health are
struggling. Therefore, supporting more Indigenous-based
physical activity programming is critical in supporting
a healthier Canada for all Canadians. It is time to stop
and listen to all the teachings, gifts and knowledge that
Indigenous Elders and Ancestors have been saving for us
since colonization began. It is time to find ways to include
Land-based teachings and opportunities in our school
systems, our afterschool programs and our sports teams,
and at home with our families. It is time for all of us to
take that step out of our front doors and take seriously
our inherent responsibilities as Guardians and Stewards
of Mother Earth to protect, honour and respect her, and
to live the good life on Turtle Island.

Once again we are happy to see our articles in The Minor Hockey News! Check out the articles “What’s been happening with Table Tennis in the Northwest Territories” and “2016, the Year of Table Tennis North’s Executive Director Thorsten Gohl.”

A fun read and you will be up to date on what is happening with Table Tennis in the NWT.

Read the full articles right here: Minor Hockey News – Table Tennis

Paul Noel is from Belgium. He began playing Table Tennis at the age of six and by 11-years-old had joined a club. He did well through competition and would go on to obtain a Master’s in Physical Education and become a professional coach, after working his way up from an assistant coach.

He’s been involved in Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Saskatchewan as a coach and has enjoyed his time giving back to the sport.

Table Tennis, Noel states, is a great way to build skills as children grow and develop: everything from agility, balance, coordination, catching, throwing, hitting, running, and jumping within the game. It also develops youths’ dexterity and focus as they utilize hand-eye coordination to return an opponents’ hit.

Paul was probably the youngest coach winning the European Cup during his 4 years in the German Bundesliga with TTC Jülich in the 90’s. He reached the cup final 4 times and won it 3 times during that time. Paul is since 2011 in Canada and the head coach for Table Tennis Saskatchewan, being the coach for gold medal winning Alayna Chen in the Senior Women Doubles category at the Canadian Championships.

We are very excited to have Paul in the Northwest Territories! Welcome!