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The 2025 Canadian Table Tennis Championships, hosted at the Richmond Olympic Oval, marked more than just another competition. For Team NT, it was a celebration of courage, connection, and quiet resilience, proof that showing up matters just as much as standing on a podium.

This year, seven athletes from the Northwest Territories stood tall on the national stage. Four of them were competing at their very first Canadian Championships, bringing youthful energy, wide eyes, and a whole lot of heart. For a territory with a small population and vast distances, just making it here is a victory in itself.

But Team NT didn’t just arrive, they made an impact.

Signing postcards for athletes and volunteers.
Receiving a thank-you t-shirt from BC Table Tennis.
Making new friendships across provinces.
Scoring historic wins, like Isaiah & Kaleb defeating a provincial team from Manitoba, the first-ever U15 NT doubles team to do so.

All info about the Senior Championships:
https://tabletennisnorth.ca/senior-canadian-table-tennis-championships/

All info about the Junior Championships:
https://tabletennisnorth.ca/team-nt-in-action-at-the-2025-canadian-junior-championships/

These moments may not appear on a medal table, but they are etched in memory and meaning. They are the ripple effects that spread when young people are given the chance to compete, to be seen, and to make a mark beyond sport.

One of the standout moments came when Kathleen teamed up with Polina from Manitoba in the Women’s Doubles, two athletes from different regions, different backgrounds, united by the joy of the game. That’s what these championships are about.

The journey doesn’t end in Richmond. These athletes return home as ambassadors of possibility, bringing back stories, pride, and inspiration to their communities in the North.

They remind us all:
Showing up matters.
Being kind matters.
Representing where you come from with heart, that matters the most.

To our athletes, thank you for wearing the North with pride. You made us all proud. And to the communities behind them, your support shines through in every rally.

The Fort Providence Table Tennis Club is proud to bring the excitement of competitive Table Tennis back to Yellowknife with the upcoming Yellowknife Open. This event is part of a growing effort to support and strengthen the local Table Tennis community while offering more regular competition opportunities for players of all ages and levels.

Held in Yellowknife, the event will gather players from across the territory for a day of fast-paced rallies, friendly competition, and community connection. The Fort Providence Table Tennis Club, known for its leadership in the North’s Table Tennis development, is committed to making Table Tennis more accessible and active across the NWT, and this tournament is one more step toward that vision.

“I’m excited to host a tournament in Yellowknife to help grow the table tennis community and bring more people together. I’m really looking forward to some friendly competition and the chance to make new connections through the sport I love.” — Neilson Vandell, Fort Providence Table Tennis Club

More information on the Yellowknife Open: https://tabletennisnorth.ca/yellowknife-open-june-7-8/

A huge thanks to Small Economy Works in providing a Micro Grant to Neilson for making this, and a few other events happening.

This initiative reflects the Club’s belief that building a strong Table Tennis culture doesn’t just happen at home, it grows through shared events, shared stories, and shared tables. Stay tuned for results and photos from the Yellowknife Open!

At Table Tennis North, we believe in fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all athletes, coaches, and supporters. This is why we proudly recognize Pink Shirt Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about bullying and promoting kindness and acceptance in our communities.

Pink Shirt Day originated in Canada when two high school students took a stand against bullying by distributing pink shirts to their peers in support of a fellow student who was being harassed for wearing a pink shirt. This simple act of solidarity sparked a movement that has grown into an annual event celebrated across the globe.

Bullying can have serious effects on individuals, particularly young athletes who may already face pressures in competitive environments. By participating in Pink Shirt Day, we send a powerful message that bullying will not be tolerated in our sport or any community. It is a reminder for everyone to treat each other with respect and compassion, fostering a culture of support and encouragement.

At Table Tennis North, we encourage all our members to wear pink on this special day and engage in conversations about the importance of kindness and inclusivity. Together, we can create a safe and welcoming space for everyone, ensuring that our love for table tennis is matched by our commitment to standing up against bullying.

Find resources right here: https://www.pinkshirtday.ca/resources

Let’s unite in pink and make a difference! 

Gatineau, Quebec – January 21-23, 2025

At the recent Sport for Life Summit, Team NT’s Kathleen Cai, a talented 13-year-old from Yellowknife, took the stage to present on the vital topic of supporting athletes beyond the sport of Table Tennis. Accompanied by Thorsten Gohl from Table Tennis North, Kathleen captivated the audience with her insights and passion for fostering a holistic approach to the development of the sport in the Northwest Territories..

The presentation focused on three main pillars essential for nurturing athletes:

1. Creating Safe Spaces
   Kathleen emphasized the importance of responsible cultural movement pledges and mandatory training to ensure that all athletes feel secure and supported in their environments.
2. Promoting Inclusion
   Highlighting initiatives like the ‘Every Child Matters’ campaign, the presenters showcased their commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate and thrive in sports.
3. Empowering Athletes
   The team discussed the implementation of comprehensive support systems, including mental performance coaching and community outreach programs, designed to empower athletes both on and off the field.

One of the standout moments of the presentation was the sharing of success stories, including a unique collaboration with Hockey North. This initiative aimed to enhance goalies’ reaction times through innovative table tennis training, demonstrating the versatility and benefits of cross-sport training.

Kathleen and Thorsten’s approach to building community through sport was evident, as they articulated how their work extends beyond Table Tennis, contributing to the holistic development of athletes across various disciplines. The presentation concluded on a light-hearted note with a blooper reel, showcasing the fun and camaraderie that defines their program.

Kathleen’s remarkable ability to present on a national stage at such a young age garnered positive feedback from attendees, including representatives from the Coaching Association of Canada, Sport for Life, and Table Tennis Canada. The heartwarming stories shared resonated with many, highlighting the significant impact being made in the North.

As the summit wrapped up, there was a palpable sense of excitement for the future, with many looking forward to the continued achievements of Kathleen and Table Tennis North in their mission to support athletes beyond the sport of Table Tennis.

Check out the presentation at the Sport for Life Summit here.

Here is our presentation:

The Yellowknife, January 31, 2025

Table Tennis North will be hosting its AGM on January 6th, 2025 at 8pm 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.

Event Dates: January 10-11, 2025
Location: Weledeh Gym, Yellowknife

We are excited to announce that the 2025 NWT School Table Tennis Championships will be hosted at the Weledeh Gym in Yellowknife on January 10-11, 2025. This event promises to be an exhilarating showcase of talent and sportsmanship, bringing together young athletes from across the Northwest Territories.

Schedule of Events

• Friday, January 10, 2025
  Doubles Competition
  Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday, January 11, 2025
  Singles Competition
  Time: 10:00 AM Middle School 1:00 PM High School
  Lunch: 1:00 PM (Pizza provided)

Tournament Officials

• Referee: Shari Olsen, Fort Smith
• Tournament Director: Thorsten Gohl, Fort Providence

Events Overview

Doubles Categories:

• High School (Grades 9-12)
• Elementary (Grades 6-8)

Note: Doubles are open, allowing for mixed-gender teams or same-gender teams.

Singles Categories:

• Grade 6 Girls
• Grade 6 Boys
• Grade 7 Girls
• Grade 7 Boys
• Grade 8 Girls
• Grade 8 Boys
• Grades 9-12 Girls
• Grades 9-12 Boys

All participants will compete in a group stage before advancing to the round-robin stage. Each group will consist of a minimum of three players, ensuring that everyone (barring byes) will have at least two matches.

Registration Information

• Cost: $10 per player
• Registration Deadline: January 7, 2025

Competition Format

• Match Format: All stages will be best of 3 games; semi-finals and finals will be best of 5 games.
• Location: Weledeh School Gymnasium, Yellowknife

Draw

Awards

• Banners: Awarded for Grades 6-8 and 9-12
• Medals: Presented to category winners across 8 singles categories (Grades 6-12) and 2 doubles categories (Middle School, High School)

Live Streaming

We are pleased to announce that the event will be live-streamed on Table Tennis North’s Facebook page, allowing friends, family, and fans to follow the action from anywhere!

Additional Information

• Rules of Table Tennis: ITTF Rules
• Sign-Up Sheets for Singles: https://tabletennisnorth.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Sign-Up-Sheet-SINGLES.pdf
• Sign-Up Sheet for Doubles: https://tabletennisnorth.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Sign-Up-Sheet-DOUBLES.pdf

Forms can be e-mailed to Andrew (andrew.c.gilmour@gmail.com) by each school. If you like to register individually, then please send a note to Andrew.

For more information, please visit our website: https://tabletennisnorth.ca/

We look forward to seeing you in January at the 2025 NWT School Table Tennis Championships!

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Q&A

Events:
The doubles competition features two events: High School (Grades 9-12) and Elementary (Grades 6-8). The singles events include categories for Grades 6, 7, and 8, as well as a combined category for High School (Grades 9-12), separated by boys and girls.

Sign-Up:
There is a single fee of $10 for both singles and doubles, with no limit on the number of students that can sign up per school.

Paddles/Rackets:
Rackets and paddles will be provided on-site for all participants.

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We are excited to host this event and encourage all schools to participate in what promises to be a fantastic celebration of Table Tennis!

We are thrilled to announce the return of Aerobic Table Tennis to the Territories! This innovative program combines the excitement of table tennis with aerobic fitness, providing a unique training experience for athletes of all levels.

By integrating Aerobic Table Tennis into their training routines, our athletes will enhance their agility, coordination, and cardiovascular health while enjoying the dynamic nature of the sport. This program not only promotes physical fitness but also fosters teamwork and camaraderie among participants.

Join us as we embark on this exciting journey to elevate athletic performance and bring the joy of Aerobic Table Tennis back to our community! Stay tuned for upcoming sessions and registration details. Let’s get moving!

Table Tennis Canada is excited to announce the launch of our Women in Table Tennis campaign, and we need your help to recognize the incredible women who contribute to our sport in the Northwest Territories! Whether they are administrators, coaches, athletes, or officials, we want to celebrate their achievements and dedication.

Do you know a remarkable female figure in our Table Tennis community who deserves recognition? Perhaps she’s a coach who inspires her players, an official who ensures fair play, an athlete who excels on the national stage, or an administrator who works tirelessly behind the scenes. If so, we want to hear from you!

How to Nominate:
Simply fill out the nomination form and send it in. It’s a great opportunity to shine a light on the inspiring women who make our sport thrive.

Let’s come together to honor the contributions of these exceptional individuals and highlight their impact on the Table Tennis community. Your nominations will help us celebrate the incredible women who make our sport shine!

These years dates will be November 17-18, 2023 hosting the event on a Friday (doubles) and Saturday (singles).

Date: November 17-18, 2023
Time: Friday 5:00-8:00 (doubles), Saturday 10:00-5:00pm (singles)
Cost: $10/player or max $200/school
Location: Weledeh School Gymnasium

Banners/Medals: Banners for Grade 6-8, 9-12. Medals for the category winners, 14 categories for singles (Grade 6-12), 2 categories for doubles (Middle School, High School)

Registration deadline: November 14th, 2023

Q&A
Double division is open for boys/boys, girls/girls or mixed. You choose.
Sign up fee is for singles and doubles together.
No limit for signing up students per school.

Rules of table tennis: https://documents.ittf.sport/sites/default/files/public/2022-02/ITTF_HB_2022_clean_v1_0.pdf

Sign up Sheet: https://tabletennisnorth.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Sign-Up-Sheet-SINGLES.pdf
Sign up Sheet Doubles: https://tabletennisnorth.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Sign-Up-Sheet-DOUBLES.pdf

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation gives us the opportunity to recognize and commemorate the intergenerational harm that residential schools have caused to indigenous families and communities. It aims to honour those who have been affected by this injustice, celebrate resilience and affirm a commitment that every child matters.

“Every Child Matters” is a significant initiative that emphasizes the importance of the holistic well-being of children. It underscores the belief that each child, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the right to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. This initiative is a powerful reminder that every child has unique potential and that it is our collective responsibility to ensure they have the opportunities and support to realize it.

Table Tennis North is dedicated to promoting the sport of Table Tennis while also advocating for the well-being and development of youth. We recognize the importance of supporting indigenous youth and providing them with opportunities and possibilities to become the best version of themselves. We believe that Table Tennis is not just a sport, but a platform that can be used to empower and inspire young individuals to reach their full potential. By fostering a sense of belonging and offering mentorship programs, they strive to make a positive impact on the lives of youth, helping them to build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of community.

Every 30th of September we will wear orange to remember, to reflect and to celebrate resilience. We hope that you all join us.