TSO

Table Tennis North had a fantastic week at the NWT Teachers’ Conference, sharing movement, laughter, and new ideas with educators from across the territory.

Canadian National Team athlete Ivy Liao joined us as a special guest, bringing her experience, passion, and warmth to every session. As an Aerobic Table Tennis ambassador, Ivy introduced teachers to the concept of combining music, movement, and table tennis in a way that is accessible, inclusive, and fun for all ages. Team NT table tennis athlete Kathleen Cia was also part of the team, supporting each session and helping demonstrate drills and activities throughout the conference.

Together, they helped lead both practical and inspiring sessions that went far beyond simply hitting a ball back and forth.

In addition to the Aerobic Table Tennis workshops, we hosted a community coach course for participants. Teachers had the chance to move through a progression of activities, starting with balloons to build confidence and coordination, then transitioning to table tennis balls and paddles. The focus was on eye hand coordination, fundamental movement skills, simple technical foundations, and creative ways to introduce table tennis in school settings.

The room was filled with smiles as educators experienced firsthand how table tennis can support physical literacy, teamwork, focus, and fun. From playful balloon rallies to more structured skill development, participants left with practical tools they can bring back to their schools and communities.

It was especially powerful to see Ivy and Kathleen share their personal stories and experiences in sport. For many teachers, hearing from a Canadian National Team athlete and a Northern Team NT athlete in the same space reinforced what is possible when opportunity, mentorship, and community come together.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, asked questions, picked up a paddle, and stepped outside their comfort zone. When teachers move, learn, and feel confident, students benefit.

And this week, there was a lot of movement, learning, and smiling happening across the gym floor.

As we step into a new year, Table Tennis North is filled with excitement, purpose, and gratitude for the growing community that continues to shape our sport across the Northwest Territories.

The first three months of the year will bring several meaningful milestones for our athletes, coaches, and volunteers. We begin the year by hosting the Team NT trials in Yellowknife from January 7–11, 2026, an important opportunity for athletes to challenge themselves, grow, and represent their communities. Shortly after, attention turns to the Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse, Yukon, from March 8–15, 2026, where Team NT athletes will once again showcase northern pride, resilience, and teamwork on a larger stage.

This summer, our athletes will return to the Canadian Championships in July in Winnipeg, Manitoba, marking the second consecutive year of national participation for many. These experiences are not only about results, but about confidence, learning, and belonging in sport.

Closer to home, we’re looking forward to continuing our own event pathway. Club Championships, Territorial Championships, and, later in the year, the School Championships, remain at the heart of what we do. The School Championships, in particular, continue to be one of our most meaningful events, where youth, schools, officials, and volunteers come together in a powerful celebration of sport, growth, and community. We’ll also once again welcome players from near and far to the always anticipated Yellowknife Open.

Beyond competitions, the year ahead includes a strong focus on coach development, community outreach, and expanding access to table tennis throughout the Northwest Territories. Supporting local leaders, growing clubs, and creating welcoming spaces remains central to our work.

Thank you to every athlete, coach, volunteer, family member, partner, and supporter who continues to believe in what we are building together. The year ahead is full of possibility, and we look forward to taking each step together.

Table Tennis North will be hosting a Special General Meeting on January 21, 2026 to review and approve our updated by-laws.

This SGM is an important step in strengthening how we govern, support, and protect our table tennis community across the Northwest Territories. The updated by-laws reflect changes to board composition, participant categories, and alignment with Safe Sport requirements, helping ensure clarity, accountability, and transparency as the organization continues to grow.

Good governance is not a checkbox exercise. It is about creating clear structures so athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and partners know how decisions are made and how everyone is supported. This process has been both reflective and educational, and it reinforces our commitment to doing the work properly and with care.

We would like to sincerely thank MACA and Sport & Law for their guidance and expertise throughout this process. Their support has helped ensure our by-laws align with best practices and current governance standards.

If you are interested in learning more about the proposed changes or participating in the Special General Meeting, please contact us at info@tabletennisnorth.ca.

We look forward to continuing to learn, share, and strengthen the foundation of table tennis in the North, together.

As the year slows and the days grow quieter, we want to take a moment to say thank you.

This past year has been filled with movement, connection, learning, and community, and we are deeply grateful for everyone who showed up, whether as an athlete, coach, volunteer, official, photographer, parent, partner, or supporter. What we continue to see across the North is that sport is never just about results, it is about people feeling seen, supported, and valued.

One of our favourite moments, as always, was the School Championships. They continue to remind us why we do this work. The joy, nerves, friendships, effort, and pride on those gym floors represent the very best of sport in the North. It is where confidence grows, leadership emerges, and belonging becomes real.

We are proud to celebrate milestones that mattered this year. Neilson being recognized with the Indigenous Sport Circle Coaching Award is a powerful reminder of what values-based leadership looks like. Seeing our athletes compete at the Canadian Championships for a second year in a row speaks to commitment, belief, and growth. Watching three Table Tennis clubs continue to strengthen and grow their memberships shows that community based sport is alive and thriving.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because people care. Because communities show up. Because relationships are built over time. Because we choose kindness, fairness, and inclusion alongside competition.

Thank you for trusting this journey, for supporting one another, and for helping create spaces where young people and adults alike can move, learn, and belong.

Wishing you rest, warmth, and meaningful time with those you care about. Happy Holidays, and thank you for an incredible year of community and connection.

Lest We Forget.

On November 11th, we pause.

Across the North, our communities gather to remember those who served, those who never returned, and those who continue to carry the weight of sacrifice. From elders who share stories of war and survival, to youth who stand in silence at local ceremonies, Remembrance Day reaches us all.

At Table Tennis North, we carry this moment with humility and respect. We remember not only as an organization, but as people connected by movement, memory, and meaning. The echo of a paddle, the stillness before a serve, these moments of presence hold space for reflection.

We honour the courage and the loss.
We honour peace as something to protect.
We honour those who showed up for others, even when it cost them everything.

From Fort Providence to Inuvik, from school gyms to frozen roads, we stand together in remembrance. We will not forget.

Table Tennis North will be hosting its AGM on May 5th, 2025 at 7pm virtually. If you are a member and interested in attending, please send us an e-mail to info@tabletennisnorth.ca.

AGENDA

Call to Order
Approval of Agenda
Treasurer Report
Approval of Financial Statement
Executive Director Report
Nominations & Elections
New Business
Adjournment

Board of Directors nomination form
Proxy form
If you are not a member yet, here is the membership form.

Also known as Red Dress Day, May 5 honours the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirit, and gender diverse people in Canada by encouraging learning and building awareness to end violence against Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirit, and gender diverse people.

Call to Action 41 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report calls on the federal government of Canada to begin an inquiry into the numerous cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

Table Tennis North is thrilled to join forces with the NWT Recreation & Park Association for the Walk to Tuk initiative.

Our team, known as the Ping Pong Rockstars, consists of a talented group of table tennis players. Walk to Tuk presents a fantastic opportunity for residents of the NWT to engage in a safe, healthy, and exciting winter activity. We are eagerly looking forward to seeing all participants on the journey to Tuk and are excited to contribute to this wonderful initiative. Let’s lace up our walking shoes and make this a memorable experience for everyone involved!

We are celebrating a year filled with achievements and exciting developments. From expanding its reach to participating in prestigious games, Table Tennis North has made significant strides in its mission to provide opportunities and possibilities for the youth in the North.

Throughout the year, Table Tennis North focused on teaching and engaging more communities in the Northwest Territories. By introducing table tennis to new areas, the organization aimed to inspire a love for the sport and promote an active lifestyle. Additionally, Table Tennis North prioritized the development of coaches, ensuring that the sport continues to thrive and builds capacity in the communities.

One of the highlights of the year was the organization’s participation in both the Arctic Winter Games and the Canada Winter Games. These events provided a platform for talented athletes from the Northwest Territories to showcase their skills and compete on a larger stage. Notably, the Fort Providence table tennis club is working diligently to send two athletes to the Arctic Winter Games in 2024, demonstrating the growth and potential of the sport in the region.

Table Tennis North also organized the Territorial School tournament, which saw an impressive turnout of almost 150 participants. This event not only fostered friendly competition but also served as a platform for young players to sharpen their skills and gain valuable experience. Furthermore, the Yellowknife Open set a new record with 40 participants, highlighting the increasing popularity of table tennis in the area.

The success of Table Tennis North would not have been possible without the support of its funders, partners, and sponsors. The organization extends its gratitude to the Government of the Northwest Territories, Sport Canada, the Aboriginal Sport Circle, NWT Recreation & Parks Association, Mackenzie Recreation Association, KidSport NWT, Aurora Fort, and Rowe’s Construction. Additionally, Table Tennis North acknowledges the valuable partnerships it has formed with Hockey NWT and Badminton NWT, which have further enriched the sporting community in the North.

As Table Tennis North looks ahead to 2024, the organization has exciting plans in store. More tournaments are on the horizon, including three Table Tennis Festivals in the North Slave, Sathu, and Beaufort Delta regions. These events will provide opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels to come together, compete, and celebrate the sport.

Furthermore, the establishment of the Yellowknife Table Tennis Club will offer even more avenues for youth to explore and engage with table tennis. With increased accessibility and resources, the club aims to nurture talent and create a vibrant table tennis community in the area.

Despite the challenges and uncertainties that may lie ahead, Table Tennis North remains steadfast in its mission. The organization is committed to empowering youth and helping them unlock their full potential, both on and off the table. By fostering a love for table tennis and providing a supportive environment, Table Tennis North is dedicated to enabling young individuals to become the best version of themselves.

As 2024 approaches, Table Tennis North eagerly anticipates the opportunities and achievements that the future holds. With the continued support of its stakeholders and the unwavering dedication of its team, the organization is poised to make a lasting impact on the table tennis landscape in the Northwest Territories.

We hope that you and your families are safe. Here is an overview on websites that help you navigate through these difficult times in our Territory. If you have any other pages or information the we should include, send us an e-mail to info@tabletennisnorth.ca.

Alberta’s NWT evacuation side: Alberta reception centre locations and supports for Northwest Territories wildfire evacuees.

Financial Support during fire evacuation

Cabin Radio’s LIVE fire coverage – Find the latest information on the ongoing fires in the Territories with Cabin Radio (September 6, 2023).

Cabin Radio’s NWT Fire map – This map uses satellite hot-spots, existing burn area and even the North Slave fibre line’s location.

NWT Highways – This map is interactive; click on it to see important information about specific transportation routes.

NWT Live Fire Map – Updates on the wildfires in a live interactive map.

Nasa’s Fire Map – Fire Information for Resource Management System.

NWT Fire – Latest resource on fires in the Northwest Territories.

NWT Public Safety – Information on NWT wildlife, air quality, fire bans, notices, orders, evacuation and more.

NWT Evacuation Information – Information for evacuees.

Cabin Radio Guide to Financial Assistant – Guide to financial assistance and other supports for NWT evacuees.

Cabin Radio Guide to Evacuation Centres – Guide to evacuation centres and places to stay for NWT evacuees.

Cabin Radio Guide to Evacuation Transportation – Guide to evacuating by air, road for NWT communities.

Flight radar – Follow the air tankers and fire boss aircraft (not every aircraft is shown on that map)

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Hay River Fire updates – The Town of Hay River’s updates on the fires in the community.

Fort Smith Fire updates – Updates from the Town of Fort Smith on the fires in the community.

Yellowknife evacuees – Cabin Radio’s guide to support you.

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Yellowknife Airport – Arrival and departure of commercial flights in Yellowknife.

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Big River (Fort Providence) Gas Station

Opening Hours: 7am until 11pm
Contact information: (867) 699-4301, manager@bigriverservices.com

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Check some of the articles on these pages as they have some valuable information.

CBC North

Northern News Services Limited

Cabin Radio

True North FM

List of RADIO STATIONS in your community (not sure how accurate they are, but definitely worth knowing).