Partners

The TT4ALL event in Fort Smith was filled with movement, laughter, and community spirit. Youth, new coaches, families, and supporters came together for a full day of learning and friendly competition, and it was the kind of atmosphere that reminds us why community sport matters.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Mackenzie Recreation Association for making this event possible. Your support allowed us to create a space where youth could try new skills, build confidence, and enjoy the experience of playing together. It also helped us welcome and train new community coaches, whose leadership will continue to strengthen table tennis in the region.

The energy in the gym, the joy on young faces, and the pride shown in every game were a direct reflection of the opportunities your organization helps create. Moments like these stay with youth for a long time, and they inspire growth far beyond a single event.

We are grateful for the trust and partnership of the Mackenzie Recreation Association. Thank you for investing in community sport and for opening doors for youth across the North. We look forward to continuing this work and, in the future, sharing even more of the incredible things your support makes possible.

Fort Providence, Northwest Territories – Table Tennis North is proud to announce the renewal of its partnership with Aurora Ford for another two years, continuing a strong and meaningful collaboration that supports sport, youth engagement, and community development across the Northwest Territories.

What began as a shared vision for positive impact has grown into a valued relationship rooted in mutual support and northern pride. From supporting local events to ensuring that opportunities reach even the smallest communities, the partnership with Aurora Ford reflects a model of how organizations can come together to create lasting impact.

“We’re proud to continue supporting Table Tennis North and the incredible work they do to engage youth across the territory,” said Lee Cawson, VP of the Aurora Group. “Community partnerships like this are what make the North special, it’s about coming together to create opportunities, encourage participation, and inspire the next generation.”

Through this partnership, both organizations continue to contribute more than just time or resources. They contribute intention, presence, and shared purpose. Whether through transportation support, promotional visibility, or helping to connect people and programs, the partnership with Aurora Ford has helped Table Tennis North reach new corners of the territory.

“Having community minded partners like Aurora Ford makes all the difference,” says Marny Twigge, Vice-President of Table Tennis North. “This relationship is built on more than sponsorship, it’s built on trust, collaboration, and a deep understanding that together we can create opportunities that go far beyond the sport.”

This renewed agreement marks a commitment to growth, not just for Table Tennis North, but for the youth, athletes, coaches, and volunteers who make up the northern sport landscape. From school gymnasiums to community tournaments, the presence of partners like Aurora Ford helps fuel the momentum behind our mission. Empowering youth, one paddle at a time.

As we look ahead to another two years of shared progress, we’re reminded that every great rally starts with a solid serve, and in this case, the serve is partnership. Together, we drive more than sport. We drive possibilities. 

Partner through the Seasons

A familiar sight on northern roads, the Table Tennis North truck, made possible through our valued partnership with Aurora Ford, has become an essential part of our movement, building work across the Northwest Territories.

Captured in a new video that follows the truck through all four seasons, this vehicle tells a powerful story of resilience, community, and the journey of sport. From icy crossings to sunny highways, the Table Tennis North truck has delivered equipment, events, and opportunities to 29 communities and counting.

Whether it’s helping set up a school program, preparing for the Territorial Championships, or simply sparking joy in a youth picking up a paddle for the first time, this truck has become a symbol of connection, not just between communities, but between values.

Our partnership with Aurora Ford is rooted in shared purpose: believing in youth, in access, and in what’s possible when we support each other. This isn’t just sponsorship. It’s a relationship built on trust, action, and showing up, in every season.

We’re incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from Aurora Ford and for the shared vision that keeps us moving forward.

Together, we’re creating movement, one community, one story, one drive at a time.

The Indigenous Sport Circle NWT (ISCNWT) is now accepting applications for its Community Development Grant Program, a funding initiative designed to support recreation, sport development, and cultural activities that involve physical activity across the Northwest Territories.

This grant helps offset costs associated with community based programs and events that promote wellness, movement, and cultural connection.

• Key Details:
  Application period (this year only): July 1 – July 31, 2025
• Regular intake windows: May 1–31 and November 1–30 (starting in 2026)
• Projects must take place in the NWT
• Multiple applications per community are welcome (for different projects)
• A letter of support from a Community Champion or organization is required
• A final report is required upon project completion
• Priority will be given to free, inclusive events that build capacity and benefit the entire community

Note, ISCNWT funding is intended to assist with costs, not fully fund a project. If you’ve previously received funding, you are welcome to apply again, but new applicants may be prioritized.

Ineligible Costs:

• Staff wages
• Per diems
• Cash prizes

This is a great opportunity for schools, sport groups, youth programs, and community leaders to access support for local movement, sport, or cultural events. Applications are only accepted during the intake window. Be sure to plan ahead!

Table Tennis North would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to KidSport NWT for their incredible support!

Thanks to their funding, we were able to purchase new equipment, including an iPad with a protective cover, hundreds of Table Tennis balls, and promotional materials for community outreach. This investment is helping us bring more technology into our training sessions, giving our athletes real-time feedback, boosting skill development, and making practices even more engaging.

KidSport’s support allows us to reach more youth across the Northwest Territories, providing them with the tools, confidence, and opportunities to grow both on and off the table.

We are excited to continue showcasing how your support is making a difference, and we look forward to tagging KidSport in upcoming posts as we capture more moments of growth and success.

Thank you for believing in the power of sport to change lives!

#ThankYouKidSport #TableTennisNorth #SupportSport #KidSportNWT

Laval, Quebec – In a heartwarming display of community spirit and athletic prowess, Team NT athletes Karissa and Kathleen took centre stage in highlighting the generous support of Aurora Ford, Hay River.

In a short video capturing the excitement, our athletes expressed their gratitude for the partnership with Aurora Ford, which has been instrumental in bringing the spirit of table tennis to the communities of the Northwest Territories. The highlight of the event was the opportunity to engage with the innovative Ford Mustang Mach-E, a vehicle that embodies the same energy and enthusiasm that our athletes bring to the table.

“We are thrilled to partner with Aurora Ford, Hay River,” said Kathleen Cai, who lent her voice to the video. “This experience has been unforgettable, and we loved showcasing our skills alongside the Mach-E. It’s not just about the sport; it’s about building connections and inspiring our communities.”

The support from Ford has not only provided Team NT with the resources to compete at a national level but has also fostered a sense of unity and pride among athletes and supporters alike. As they continue to represent the Northwest Territories, the partnership with Aurora Ford, Hay River serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration in promoting sports and community engagement.

A heartfelt thank you to Aurora Ford for their unwavering support and for helping to make this championship experience one for the books! Together, we are all Team NT!

#TeamNT #Ford #ArcticWinterGames #TableTennis #weareallteamnt

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

• The NWT Youth Ambassador Program gives youth an opportunity to build leadership skills through participation at special events and volunteer assignments.
  • Represent your community and the NWT
  • Build leadership and life skills through specialized training and volunteering
  • Meet youth from across the NWT and Canada
  • Opportunity to travel and volunteer at special events.
• Two ways to apply: written application and verbal application
• Selection based on community involvement, commitment to a healthy lifestyle, and reflection on how the NWT Youth Ambassador Program will help them in the future.
• All eligible youth from across the NWT are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility – NWT Youth Ambassadors must:

• Between 16 -22 years of age as of January 1, 2023
• Be a resident of the Northwest Territories
• Hold valid NWT Health Care
• Must be available to attend the mandatory orientation session from November 3 – 7, 2022

Applications are online at: https://www.maca.gov.nt.ca/en/services/youth-ambassador-program I

We love to say THANK YOU to NWT & Nunavut Lotteries, and with 17 Territorial Sport Organizations and Sport & Recreation partner coming together, it makes it so much more powerful. Part in the advertisement campaign are:

NWT Swimming Softball NWT Table Tennis North Mackenzie Recreation Association Hockey NWT Tae Kwon-Do NWT Gymnastic NWT Broomball NWT NWT 55+ Games Association NWT Judo Curling NWT Squash NWT Wrestling NWT NWT Snowboard NWT Cross Country Ski Athletics NWT NWT Speed Skating

THANK YOU NWT & Nunavut Lotteries for your help and support in Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation in the Northwest Territories!!!

We are excited to announce that the partnership with Aurora Ford & Table Tennis North will be continued.

“The partnership is helping us to support the smaller communities in the Mackenzie Region. Accessibility is key when it comes to support a sport like Table Tennis. It opens up so many possibilities for us and we are so very grateful” says Executive Director Thorsten Gohl. He continuous “Only good things will happen for Table Tennis in the North. Thank you Aurora Ford for joining us on the ride!”

You will see the Ford F150 driving along the highway a lot in the new future with clubs already established in Hay River, Fort Providence, Fort Smith, Fort Simpson and Yellowknife. Getting into an Arctic Winter Games year is always exciting and helps sports like Table Tennis to grow.

“Aurora Ford is always looking to support all of the communities in the North.  This partnership with Table Tennis North has provided us an excellent opportunity to get visibility in the smaller communities and help such a worthy organization be able to achieve its vision.” – Lee Cawson, VP Operations, Aurora Group