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Fort Providence, Northwest Territories – Exciting news for Table Tennis enthusiasts in the Northwest Territories! Table Tennis North, in collaboration with Table Tennis Canada and Sport Canada, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Table Tennis For All tournament series. This series of events aims to engage participants of all ages and skill levels in the sport of table tennis while fostering a sense of community and friendly competition.

The Table Tennis For All tournament series will consist of six events, taking place from January to March 2024, in all five regions of the Northwest Territories. These events, known as “Table Tennis Festivals,” will provide participants with an opportunity to learn more about the sport, improve their skills, and enjoy some friendly competitions.

The festivals will feature a range of activities designed to cater to players of all levels, from beginners to experienced players. Participants will have the chance to receive coaching, engage in practice sessions, and participate in various tournament formats. Whether you are a seasoned player or new to the sport, these events offer a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone to enjoy the game of Table Tennis.

Here are the dates for the upcoming Table Tennis For All tournaments:

Fort Providence – Sign up: https://forms.gle/Y4WZ8otu9yggjak37
January 21, 2024
Snowshoe Centre, Fort Providence
Winner: Neilson Vandell, Fort Providence

Yellowknife – Sign up: https://forms.gle/Y4WZ8otu9yggjak37
January 27, 2024, 5pm
William McDonald School, Yellowknife

TBD – Sign up: n/a yet
February 4, 2024

TBD – Sign up: n/a yet
February 25, 2024

TBD – Sign up: n/a yet
March 3, 2024

TBD – Sign up: n/a yet
March 30, 2024

All events will start at 10:30am with an open competition. So, anyone can join. We also have prizes available for the winners:

1. Place $150 gift card local store
2. Place $75 gift card local store
3. Place $25 gift card local store

The organizers of the Table Tennis For All tournament series extend a warm invitation to anyone interested in participating. Regardless of age or skill level, everyone is welcome to join these events and experience the joy of Table Tennis. Whether you are looking to compete, learn, or simply have fun, these festivals provide a fantastic opportunity to engage with the sport and connect with fellow Table Tennis enthusiasts.

To sign up for the Table Tennis Festivals or to obtain more information, please visit the Table Tennis North website or contact the event organizers directly. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to be a part of the table tennis community in the Northwest Territories.

Get your paddles ready, mark your calendars, and join us for an unforgettable series of Table Tennis For All events!

We are thrilled to welcome back esteemed coach Steve Rowe, who played a pivotal role in the success of Team NT during the 2018 and 2020 Arctic Winter Games. Steve’s return marks an exciting development as he joins the team in preparing for the upcoming 2024 Arctic Winter Games. 

Steve will lend his expertise and experience to assist in the preparation of Team NT, ensuring they are ready to compete at their best in the highly anticipated Arctic Winter Games. His guidance and mentorship will be invaluable in helping the athletes reach their full potential and showcase their skills on the international stage.

In addition to his involvement with Team NT, he will also contribute to the development of Table Tennis Festivals and the Community Sport for All Initiative across all regions of the Northwest Territories. These initiatives aim to promote inclusivity, active participation, and community engagement in sports throughout the territory.

Recognizing the importance of virtual programs in the current landscape, Steve will play a key role in building a virtual training program for NWT athletes. This program will provide athletes with the necessary resources and support to continue their training and development, even in the absence of in-person events and competitions.

Furthermore, he will actively support the Freestyle Ping Pong Challenge, an exciting event that encourages creativity and innovation in table tennis. This unique challenge pushes the boundaries of traditional table tennis and showcases the versatility and skill of the athletes. His involvement extends beyond the competitive realm as he contributes to building the School Program and Coach Development initiatives. By sharing his knowledge and expertise with coaches and educators, he aims to enhance the overall sporting experience for young athletes in the Northwest Territories.

Expressing his excitement about returning to the NWT, Steve stated, “I am thrilled to be back in the Northwest Territories and to have the opportunity to work with such talented athletes and dedicated coaches. Together, we will strive for excellence and create a positive impact in the sporting community.”

The NWT eagerly anticipates the incredible developments that will unfold under Steve Rowe’s guidance and expertise. With his return, the stage is set for a remarkable year of sporting achievements and community engagement.

Stay tuned for updates on the progress and accomplishments of Team NT and the exciting initiatives led by Steve Rowe. The Northwest Territories is poised to witness extraordinary feats in the world of sports.

Calling all active seniors in the Northwest Territories! If you’re looking for an exciting opportunity to showcase your skills and connect with like-minded individuals from across Canada, then joining Team NWT for the Canada 55+ Games is the perfect choice for you.

Hosted in Québec City from August 27-30, 2024.

What are the Canada 55+ Games?
The Canada 55+ Games is a national multi-sport event held every two years, specifically designed for Canadians aged 55 and over. It serves as a platform for seniors to engage in friendly competition, promote active living, and foster social connections.

Joining Team NWT:
To be eligible to join Team NWT, you must become a member of the NWT 55+ Games Association. The membership fee is currently set at $10.00 per year or $20.00 per cycle, payable every second year during the Games year. By becoming a member, you gain access to the numerous benefits and opportunities associated with participating in the Canada 55+ Games.

The NWT 55+ Games Association maintains membership in both the CSGA and Sport North, ensuring that Team NWT is well-represented and connected within the larger sporting community.

Expression of Interest Form
Team Selection Policy
Information Sheet

Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to showcase your skills, make new friends, and embrace an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Join Team NWT and be a part of the Canada 55+ Games!

You can find more information on the Sport North website: https://www.sportnorth.com/games/canada-55-games-0

Have a look at the Canada 55+ Games website: https://canada55plusgames.com/

In the heart of the Northwest Territories, an athlete named Raine discovered her passion for Table Tennis. It was 2017 when she first participated in the NWT School Table Tennis Championships. Little did she know, this was the beginning of an incredible journey.

To Raine, the gold medals she won were not just symbols of victory, but tokens of her growth, confidence, and knowledge of the game. Each time she held a medal in her hands, she felt a sense of accomplishment and pride that was unparalleled. The sport of table tennis had become more than just a game to her. It was a teacher, instilling in her values of perseverance, resilience, and the importance of never giving up, no matter how hard the challenge.

Over the years, Raine’s dedication and skill earned her numerous accolades. From grade 6 to 12, she consistently won gold in the singles category. In mixed doubles, she was a formidable player, winning either gold or silver throughout the same years. The year 2020 and 2021 were challenging due to the Covid pandemic, but Raine didn’t let it deter her spirit. She came back stronger in 2022 and 2023, winning gold in singles and mixed doubles.

Representing her school, St. Pats, was a matter of immense pride for Raine. She felt a sense of responsibility and joy in contributing positively to her school community. Her achievements were not just her own, but a testament to the support and encouragement she received from her school and her coaches.

As Raine prepares to embark on a new journey to university, she carries with her the lessons and experiences from her table tennis journey. She looks forward to exploring new opportunities in sports and is excited about what the future holds for her.

What does this achievement mean to you?
Playing in the Table Tennis tournaments over the years has increased my confidence and knowledge of the game. When I’ve played Table Tennis, I’ve always felt really accomplished and proud.  

What does sport mean to you?
For me, sports teaches values, allows me to have fun, learn new ways to improve my abilities and meet new athletes from around the country. Sports allows me to push myself to do my best and to never give up when something may be hard to do. 

Tell us about your medals …
I have won gold in the singles category from grade 6-12 and have won either gold or silver in mixed doubles throughout the same years. 

2017- Gold in singles, Mixed Doubles
2018- Gold in singles
Silver Mixed Doubles
2019- Gold in singles
Silver Mixed Doubles
2020/2021- Covid 
2022- Gold in singles 
2023- Gold in singles, Mixed Doubles

What does it mean to represent your school?
Representing my school, St. Pats, gives me a sense of pride by positively contributing to my school community.

What’s next?
I’ll be off to University this fall! I will be getting involved in sports as well as any sport related opportunities that may come available. I’m really excited to see what the future holds for me. 

Raine’s story is a testament to her character. As Thorsten Gohl, the Executive Director of Table Tennis North, rightly said, “Raine is a role model, a leader, and just a wonderful human being. We are proud of you and are looking forward to many amazing things to come to you.”

Raine’s journey is a shining example of how sports can shape a person’s life, teaching them invaluable lessons and helping them grow into better individuals.

As the excitement builds for the upcoming 2024 Arctic Winter Games, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the exceptional athletes who have qualified to represent Team Northwest Territories. The recently concluded trial event, held from November 23-26, 2023, showcased an abundance of talent and determination. With great pride, we announce the names of the qualified athletes who will proudly represent our region in Alaska.

The trial event held in November was a testament to the dedication and hard work put in by our athletes. They showcased their skills, resilience, and unwavering commitment to their respective sports. The level of competition was intense, and it was truly inspiring to witness the incredible performances of our athletes.

We are thrilled to announce the names of the talented athletes who have earned their place on Team Northwest Territories for the 2024 Arctic Winter Games.

Juniors

Nihilesh Gohil, Yellowknife
Vital MacKeinzo, Fort Good Hope
Ava Pokiak, Hay River

Juvenille

Dallas Lafferty, Fort Good Hope
Carter Sadowick, Fort Providence
Kathleen Cai, Yellowknife
Karissa Sadowick, Fort Providence

With the qualified athletes ready to embark on their journey to Alaska, we eagerly anticipate the upcoming Arctic Winter Games. This prestigious event will not only provide a platform for our athletes to showcase their abilities but also foster camaraderie and sportsmanship among participants from various regions.

As we celebrate the success of our qualified athletes, we extend our warmest congratulations to each of them. Their hard work, determination, and unwavering commitment have earned them a place on Team Northwest Territories for the 2024 Arctic Winter Games. We wish them the best of luck as they prepare to represent our region with pride and passion. Let us rally behind our athletes and show them our unwavering support as they embark on this incredible journey to Alaska.

GO Team NT GO!!!

The 2023/24 NWT School Table Tennis Championships was a remarkable event that saw the participation of 8 schools, with over 120 youth enthusiastically competing.

The Executive Director, Thorsten Gohl, who has had roles in the Olympic Games, world championships, and Canadian championships, expressed his admiration for the NWT School Championships, describing it as “Organized chaos. Students cheer on their classmates next to the tables. High fiving during the rally. Just so beautiful.”

It was particularly heartening to see Fort Good Hope participating for the first time. A special acknowledgment goes to Michel Allard for his commendable support to the youth in the Sahtu Community.

The results of the championships were impressive, reflecting the hard work and dedication of all the participants.

SINGLES

Grade 6 male

1. Kobe White, WMS
2. Emmitt Kincaid, Saint Joseph
3. Kael Enns, WMS

Grade 6 female

1. Karissa Sadowick, Deh Gah 
2. Lukka Nolting, WMS
3. Madeline Jackson, Fort Good Hope

Grade 7 male

1. Carter Sadowick, Deh Gah
2. Cruz Munro, WMS
3. Craig Tracy, WMS

Grade 7 female

1. Kathleen Cai, WMS
2. Emereigh Moffat, WMS
3. Tessa Stewart, WMS

Grade 8 male

1. Owen Bowden, St. Pats
2. Cooper White, WMS
3. Austin Morton, St. Pats

Grade 8 female

1. Lexi Blandford, St. Pats
2. Ana Villegas, St. Pats
3. Emma Rae McBryan, St. Pats

Grade 9 male

1. Aiden Langer, St. Pats
2. Kingston Torinda, St. Pats

Grade 10 male

1. Nathan Lavers, St. Pats
2. Jake Mariano, St. Pats
3. Vital Mackeinzo, Fort Good Hope

Grade 11 male

1. Kai Shimada, St. Pats

Grade 12 male

1. Zachery Mathison, St. Pats
2. Gabe Brost, St. Pats

Grade 12 female

1. Raine Mingo, St. Pats

DOUBLES

High School

1. Gabe Brost / Raine Mingo, St. Pats
2. Aiden Langer / Kingston Torinda, St. Pats
3. Jake Mariano / Paul Mendoza, St. Pats

Middle School

1. Najib Mohammed / Owen Bowden, St. Pats
2. Carter Sadowick/ Kaleb Sabourin, Deh Gah 
3. Craig Tracy/ Jack Lyall, WMS

High School Banner: St. Patricks
Middle School Banner: WMS

The Yellowknifer Newspaper

As we look forward to what 2024 brings, we are hopeful that more athletes will participate, further enhancing the spirit of camaraderie and competition that makes the NWT School Table Tennis Championships such a unique and cherished event.

Deja Vu!!! Yes, we are excited to host a second 2023 Yellowknife Open at St. Patricks Gym. The event will take place on Saturday November 18, 2023 at 6pm. Doors open at 5pm to warm up and getting ready for the competition.

OPEN CATEGORY – anyone can join

There is no fee for the participant. Everyone will have at least 2 matches. It will be a singles event. We ask everyone to bring indoor shoes and a paddle if they have one.

If you have any questions, send us an e-mail to [email protected].

Sign up: https://forms.gle/FCZUGBGaAjQ8KdgK8

Deadline for registration is November 15, 2023 at 11:11pm.

Table tennis, often a fun pastime with family and friends, also offers significant health benefits. Instead of the traditional workout routine, you can simply don your favourite sweatpants, head to your basement or sunroom, and engage in an invigorating game of table tennis. Both your body and mind will appreciate the change.

If you’re a table tennis enthusiast or a beginner, here are the top health benefits that will keep you motivated:

1. Enhances Reflexes: The fast-paced nature of table tennis significantly improves your reflexes, including both gross and fine muscle movements. Improved reflexes can help you avoid accidents and navigate daily life more efficiently.

2. Boosts Hand-Eye Coordination: A good table tennis rally stimulates mental alertness and concentration, enhancing your hand-eye coordination. This skill is crucial for various exercises and everyday tasks like writing and cooking.

3. Burns Calories: Table tennis, like all physical activities, burns a considerable number of calories. It’s an enjoyable and engaging way to work up a sweat without the monotony of a treadmill.

4. Low Impact Exercise: Unlike running or weightlifting, table tennis is a low-impact exercise that’s gentle on your joints, making it an ideal choice for those with back issues or a history of sprains.

5. Promotes Social Interaction: The compact nature of table tennis allows for meaningful conversations during the game, providing a fun alternative to screen time and enhancing your social life.

6. Increases Flexibility: Despite appearances, table tennis requires a fair amount of flexibility. From stretching across the table to retrieve a ball, it helps stretch your muscles after a sedentary day.

7. Sharpens the Brain: Known as the “world’s best brain sport,” table tennis stimulates various brain areas, enhancing hand-eye coordination, strategy planning, and prediction skills.

8. Improves Balance: As you strive to return every ball, you’re also giving your balance a significant workout.

9. Builds Strength: The repetitive low-impact movements in table tennis help build muscle in your arms, shoulders, and back.

10. Enhances Heart Health: Extended periods of physical activity, like an hour-long table tennis match, are excellent for maintaining a healthy heart.

11. Aids in Dementia Treatment: Research by the Sport and Art Educational Foundation suggests that table tennis can activate various brain areas, improving awareness in dementia patients.

Sport North cordially invites our athletes to participate in an upcoming social media campaign: “NWT Sport Strong; The South Steps Up”

The Concept: Sport North is seeking athletes across all age groups and skill levels to share images and narratives of their training routines in the southern regions during this period. Participants are requested to complete the attached questionnaire. Sport North will then transform the responses into an engaging, reader-friendly format, accompanied by the submitted pictures, for sharing on our social media platforms.

If you like to fill out the form, please send it to: [email protected]

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.