Mentorship

Behind every elite athlete is a community that believes in them, and sometimes, that community stretches across the country.

As Ivy Liao, a Vancouver based National Team athlete, prepares to represent Team Canada at the 2025 FISU World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany (July 28 – August 8, 2025), she does so with the support of a unique and values driven partnership between Table Tennis North and the Richmond Olympic Oval.

While Ivy trains at the Oval in preparation for international competition, she’s also giving back, serving as a mentor for youth in the Northwest Territories through Table Tennis North. It’s a beautiful cycle of empowerment. Ivy receives high-performance support from one of Canada’s premier facilities, and in turn, shares her experience and encouragement with young players who may one day follow in her footsteps.

“This partnership reflects the kind of sport ecosystem we want to see in Canada,” says Thorsten Gohl, Executive Director of Table Tennis North. “It’s about lifting each other up, creating conditions for our national athletes to thrive, while making space for youth to feel seen and supported.”

Mentorship programs like this do more than inspire. They break isolation, build confidence, and connect players across regions and generations. For Ivy, it’s a chance to be a visible role model. For the youth she supports, it’s a reminder that excellence is possible, no matter where you live. The Richmond Olympic Oval plays a critical role in this story. By providing Ivy with the resources and space to train, they’re not only helping her reach her goals, they’re helping build the future of Table Tennis in Canada.

“It has been such an incredible journey to grow as an athlete with the Oval’s support, while connecting with youth in the Northwest Territories as a mentor. I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received, and it means a lot to also play a role in empowering and inspiring younger athletes. I’m looking forward to competing alongside my teammates at the World University Games and will do my best to make Canada proud!” – Ivy Liao

As Ivy steps onto the global stage at the FISU Games, she carries the strength of partnership, the power of community, and the belief that when we support each other, everyone rises. Table Tennis North is proud to stand alongside Ivy, and the Richmond Olympic Oval in championing a model of sport that values both excellence and connection. Good luck, Ivy! 

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…