As the holiday season approaches, we at Table Tennis North would like to take a moment to reflect on the past year and express our heartfelt gratitude to our athletes, coaches, volunteers, and supporters. This year has been filled with incredible achievements, growth, and unforgettable moments in the world of table tennis.
We are proud of our athletes who have shown remarkable dedication and passion for the sport. Your hard work and commitment have not only elevated your skills but have also inspired those around you. Whether competing at local events or representing us at national championships, you have made us all proud.
To our coaches, thank you for your unwavering support and guidance. Your expertise and encouragement play a vital role in shaping the future of our athletes. Your commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment is truly commendable.
We also want to extend our appreciation to our volunteers and supporters. Your time and effort are invaluable to our community, and we are grateful for your contributions. Together, we have created a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for everyone involved in Table Tennis.
As we look forward to the new year, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. We have plans for more training sessions, competitions, and community events that will continue to promote the love of Table Tennis in our region.
During this holiday season, we encourage everyone to take time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the company of family and friends. May this festive season bring you joy, peace, and happiness.
From all of us at Table Tennis North, we wish you a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous New Year! We can’t wait to see you back at the table in 2024!
Warmest wishes, Table Tennis North
Feel free to adjust any part of the message to better fit your organization’s tone and style!
Fort Providence, NT – The holiday spirit is set to take over Fort Providence this Sunday, December 8, 2024, with the much-anticipated annual Christmas Table Tennis Tournament. Kicking off at 3 PM, this festive event promises an afternoon filled with excitement, camaraderie, and a touch of friendly competition.
Participants and spectators alike can look forward to thrilling matches as players vie for the prestigious Bob Howard Christmas Trophy. This coveted award has become a symbol of excellence and sportsmanship within the local table tennis community.
In addition to the on-table action, attendees will be treated to a delightful array of snacks, ensuring everyone stays energized and in high spirits. As the day winds down, the festivities will continue with a special Christmas movie screening, providing the perfect opportunity to relax and celebrate the season with friends and family.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the sport, the Christmas Table Tennis Tournament offers something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to engage with the community, enjoy some holiday cheer, and perhaps even take home the trophy.
Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable day of Table Tennis and festive fun in Fort Providence!
Get ready to bring energy, fitness, and fun to your home! We are thrilled to announce the launch of our virtual aerobic table tennis sessions, starting November 9th at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time. Each session will last approximately 30 to 45 minutes, providing a unique blend of fitness and table tennis moves that you can enjoy from anywhere.
These interactive sessions, limited to 10 participants per class, will be prioritized for Team NT, NU, YT, and Nunavik members. However, we’re eager to include other participants if spots are available!
Our sessions will be led by Ivy Liao, a national team athlete, and Joyce Xu, a former national team player, both highly trained in aerobic table tennis instruction. With their high-performance training and experience from international competitions, they’ll lead you through table tennis-specific exercises set to upbeat music. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in baseline testing to track your progress over time.
If you’re interested in joining, please complete our sign-up form and review the participant handbook. Don’t miss this chance to boost your fitness and have a blast — sign up today!
The recent activities at the Territorial Training Centre at the Snowshoe Centre in Fort Providence have been nothing short of amazing! From dynamic training camps to intense selection events and unforgettable tournaments, we have created countless fun memories together that will last a lifetime.
The camaraderie and spirit displayed by all participants have made this experience truly special. Each event brought its own unique challenges and triumphs, fostering a sense of community and teamwork among athletes, coaches, and supporters alike. The dedication and passion shown by everyone involved have been inspiring, and it’s clear that these moments have left a lasting impact on all of us.
As we reflect on the incredible times shared at the Snowshoe Centre, it’s hard to say goodbye. You will be truly missed! However, the friendships and memories we’ve built will continue to inspire us as we move forward in our respective journeys.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this experience so memorable. Here’s to the future and the many more adventures that await us!
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!
The Canada 55+ Games are just around the corner, set to take place in the vibrant city of Quebec from August 27 to 30, 2024! We are thrilled to announce that three talented athletes from the Northwest Territories will be showcasing their skills in Table Tennis, competing for the coveted titles in this exciting event. The athletes representing the NWT are:
Roland Laufer
Lesley Paulette
Mike Pickles
With a focus on promoting active lifestyles and fostering camaraderie among older adults, the Canada 55+ Games provide a fantastic platform for athletes to demonstrate their talent and passion for sport. Participants can look forward to a thrilling atmosphere filled with friendly competition and the chance to connect with fellow athletes from across the country.
For more information about the event and Table Tennis specifics, visit the official website: Canada 55+ Games – Table Tennis.
Wishing all our NWT athletes an amazing time in Quebec City as they compete and create lasting memories!
Team NT Table Tennis is calling on the community to rally behind their fundraising efforts to send four youth athletes to the 2024 Canadian Table Tennis Championships (July 18-24, 2024). The team is seeking support for flights, accommodation, travel, and registration costs to ensure their athletes can compete at the highest level.
To showcase the talent and dedication of their athletes, Team NT Table Tennis has released a video highlighting their journey and the impact of community support. The video serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of backing local athletes in their pursuit of excellence.
Kathleen & Karissa, 2023 & 2024 Arctic Winter Games athletes
“We need your help to make this dream a reality for our athletes,” said Thorsten Gohl, Head Coach Team NT Table Tennis. “Your contributions will go a long way in supporting our team and allowing them to focus on their training and performance.”
How can you help? Team NT Table Tennis welcomes any in-kind donations and financial contributions to cover the expenses for their athletes. Additionally, supporters can offer assistance in other ways by reaching out to the team with their ideas and offers of support.
In recognition of donors’ generosity, Team NT Table Tennis will acknowledge contributors through their social media channels and website. Donations exceeding $500 will be rewarded with a personalized fun video during the team’s trip, while donations over $1,000 will receive an exclusive Team NT t-shirt to show their support during the event.
With a fundraising goal of $11,000, Team NT Table Tennis aims to alleviate financial concerns and focus on delivering engaging content to thank their supporters. The team is excited to share their journey with the community and express their gratitude for the outpouring of support.
The Northwest Territories will be proudly represented by the following youth athletes at the Canadian Table Tennis Championships:
Karissa Sadowick, Fort Providence
Carter Sadowick, Fort Providence
Kathleen Cai, Yellowknife
Neilson Vandell, Fort Providence
Kevin Canadien, Fort Providence
Under the guidance of Head Coach Thorsten Gohl, the team is gearing up for a transformative experience at the championships. Coach Gohl expressed his enthusiasm for the athletes’ growth and development through this competitive opportunity.
Team NT Table Tennis will kick off their journey with a training camp in Ottawa, followed by a week of intense competition at the Canadian Championships. Two athletes, Kathleen and Karissa, have also been invited to the Female National Training in Quebec City, showcasing the team’s talent and potential on a national stage.
As the team prepares for this exciting chapter, they extend their gratitude to the Mackenzie Recreation Association and Sport North for their support and encouragement. Community members are encouraged to follow Team NT Table Tennis on social media for updates on their journey and to witness the impact of their contributions firsthand.
For more information follow Table Tennis North on Social Media and check our website or send us an e-mail to [email protected]. Together, let’s cheer on our local athletes and help them shine on the national stage.
Q&A
Why support this cause!? Many individuals have a desire to give back to their community or support causes they are passionate about. Donating allows you to make a positive impact and contribute to the greater good. Overall, supporting our athletes financially can be a meaningful and impactful way for individuals to contribute to causes they care about and make a difference in the world.
Can I donate in-kind goods or services instead of money? Yes, we welcome in-kind donations of goods or services that align with our organization’s needs. Please contact us to discuss potential in-kind donation opportunities.
How will my donation be used? Your donation will be used to support our youth for accommodation, travel, flights to the Canadian Championships and the registration for the events.
How can I stay updated on the impact of my donation? We will provide regular updates on Social Media to keep you informed about the impact of your contributions. You can also reach out to us for specific information on how your donation is making a difference.
How can you help? Any in kind donation is welcome. Financially, everything will go towards covering the cost for our athletes. Any other ways to support us, let us know.
How do we recognize you? We will mention you, if you like, through our Social Media and Website. If your donations are higher than $500 we can make a fun video for you during our trip. Over $1,000 you get one of our Team NT t-shirts, so you can cheer us on during the event.
How much do we need? If we can reach $11,000, then we don’t need to worry about anything and can just focus on fun videos to share with you and thank you for all your support.
After a seven-year hiatus, the 2024 NWT Territorial Championships marked a triumphant return, showcasing the talent and dedication of Table Tennis athletes. Hosted at the Territorial Training Centre in Fort Providence, the championships brought together players in the Youth Singles, Open Singles, and Open Doubles divisions for a thrilling display of skill and sportsmanship.
This year’s championships, the third edition since the inception of Table Tennis North, provided a platform for athletes to challenge themselves and vie for the prestigious title of Territorial Champions. The competition was fierce, with participants giving their all to claim victory and etch their names in the annals of NWT Table Tennis history.
The 2024 NWT Territorial Champions emerged from a field of talented contenders, showcasing their prowess and determination on the table. The winners in each division are as follows:
Youth Singles: Kevin Canadien (Fort Providence)
Open Singles: Akiko Iwase (Yellowknife)
Open Doubles: Kathleen Cai (Yellowknife) and Neilson Vandell (Fort Providence)
While congratulations are in order for the deserving champions, the true spirit of the championships lies in the collective effort and sportsmanship displayed by all participants. Every athlete who took part in the competition contributed to the success of the event and demonstrated the passion and camaraderie that define the table tennis community in the NWT.
As the curtains close on the 2024 NWT Territorial Championships, anticipation is already building for the next edition in 2025. The success of this year’s event serves as a testament to the resilience and talent of NWT Table Tennis players, setting the stage for even more thrilling competitions and memorable moments in the years to come.
Congratulations to all participants, organizers, and supporters who made the 2024 NWT Territorial Championships a resounding success. Your dedication and passion for the sport have truly shone through, and we look forward to witnessing more exciting matches and inspiring performances in the future.
June 15th, 2024, marked a historic day in Fort Providence as the first-ever Territorial Club Championships took place, setting a new milestone for the local Table Tennis community. The event, hosted for the first time, was a resounding success, with 13 enthusiastic participants showcasing their skills and sportsmanship at the Territorial Training Centre for Table Tennis.
The day kicked off with the thrilling Open Doubles competition, followed by the competitive Youth Singles matches, and culminated in the highly anticipated Open Singles event. Spectators were treated to a display of exceptional talent and fierce competition, making for an unforgettable day of Table Tennis action in Fort Providence.
Here is the list of winners from the Fort Providence Table Tennis Club Championships:
Doubles Neilson Vandell / Ian Landry Carter Sadowick / Kaleb Sabourin Karissa Sadowick / Conner Landry
Singles Youth Carter Sadowick Karissa Sadowick Kevin Canadien
Singles Open Neilson Vandell Carter Sadowick Karissa Sadowick
In the evening, the festivities continued with a celebratory banquet, featuring a delectable spread generously provided by Big River Service Station. Attendees enjoyed a delightful array of treats while sharing images and stories from the past year, reflecting on memorable moments, and expressing gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the club.
The highlight of the banquet was the presentation of the inaugural awards, recognizing outstanding achievements and contributions within the Fort Providence Table Tennis Club. The awards ceremony served as a fitting tribute to the dedication and passion of the club members, coaches, and supporters who have played a vital role in the growth and success of table tennis in the community.
Awards Rookie of the Year – Kaleb Sabourin Best Player of the Year – Neilson Vandell Sportsmanship Award – Karissa Sadowick Most Improved Player – Carter Sadowick
As the club looks ahead to another exciting year, preparations are already underway for the upcoming Canadian Championships. The momentum and enthusiasm generated by the Territorial Club Championships will undoubtedly fuel the team as they gear up for the next challenge on the national stage.
Congratulations to all the participants, winners, and organizers of the Fort Providence Table Tennis Club Championships & Banquet. Here’s to another year of camaraderie, competition, and success in the world of Table Tennis!
We are thrilled to share the exciting news that Team NT Arctic Winter Games athletes, Kathleen Cai and Karissa Sadowick, have been chosen to participate in the National Female Training Camp organized by Table Tennis Canada in Quebec City.
The training camp promises days filled with intensive technical training sessions, valuable mentorship opportunities, and engaging activities designed to bring together female athletes from all corners of the country. This event serves as a platform to celebrate the sport of Table Tennis and foster camaraderie among young athletes nationwide.
According to the official announcement on the Table Tennis Canada website (https://ttcanada.ca/national-girls-training-camp-set-to-take-place-in-quebec-city/), the training camp aims to unite youth from diverse backgrounds, showcasing their dedication and talent on a national stage. It is a testament to the hard work and commitment of these young athletes who have earned the opportunity to represent their provinces and territories at this prestigious event.
In a statement regarding the training camp, Table Tennis Canada expressed, “This training camp serves as a celebration of Table Tennis, uniting youth from across the country, spanning from coast to coast to coast. It is a testament to the dedication and talent of young athletes who will gather in Québec City for this important event. A special congratulations is extended to the athletes who have been selected to represent their respective provinces and territories at this training camp. Their hard work and commitment to the sport have earned them this opportunity to come together and connect while showcasing their skills on a national stage.”
We are immensely proud of Kathleen Cai and Karissa Sadowick for their selection to this prestigious training camp and are eagerly anticipating their success and growth as they participate in this wonderful initiative. Their dedication and passion for Table Tennis exemplify the spirit of sportsmanship and excellence that we strive to uphold in Team NT.
We wish Kathleen and Karissa the best of luck at the National Female Training Camp in Quebec City and look forward to witnessing their achievements on the national stage. Stay tuned for more updates on their journey at the training camp!!!
