Paddle pals: “Keenagers” Glenys Pepyat, Glenda Robson and Tricia Tod take their shots.
By John Van Klaveren
A GROUP of self-styled “keenagers” in Portarlington is trying to return table tennis to its former popularity.
The keenagers were all over 55 but liked to describe themselves tongue in cheek, said organiser Graham McColl.
“It keeps us young,” declared the one-time table tennis competition player.
Adding a new meaning to paddle pops, the group was looking to net a few more members, Graham said.
The ping-pong players numbered around 40 but wanted to promote the activity to prospective female members.
“We’re holding a few open days so people can come along and have a go and see how they like it,” Graham said.
“It’s often something new for a lot of people and they like to try it out first.”
Graham said basic coaching was available for anyone new to the tabletop pastime.
“This was only the third club of its kind when we started. Now there are more than 70.”
Graham organised sponsorship from Vic Health and Council of the Aged, with a grant from Bendigo Bank for equipment.
“It’s aimed at keeping over-55s active instead of sitting in a chair and hibernating,” he said.
“Some might have trouble keeping fit or had a physical injury, so this is great for them.
“It’s a passive type of exercise more than a competitive one. People just have some fun and hardly realise they’re exercising at all.
“Some of our regulars played competition table tennis a long time ago and just enjoy the game.
“One lady played for a long time until she was 86 before giving it away.”
Graham continued playing despite his own setbacks.
“I’ve had two hip replacements and I’m still going. We have people with knee reconstructions playing.
“It’s as much about the interaction and social benefits, sitting down between games and having a cuppa and a chat.”
Graham said participants did not need to commit to a minimum number of games but could drop in as they pleased.
“There’s no pressure because we have rotations for 20 minute games so everyone mixes.”
Graham said the table tennis group played from 9am to 11am Tuesdays and Thursdays at Portarlington Community Centre in Newcombe St.
He urged anyone interested in participating to drop in to the centre or phone him on 5257 1673.
