DaveR
01-31-2008, 04:34 PM
http://www.tabletennistalk.co.uk/forum/table/allsaints.jpg
A Derbyshire school's table-tennis team has achieved success despite having to practice on dinner tables.
All Saints Primary School from Matlock has won a county regional championship and the boy's team finished joint third at a Sheffield tournament.
Teacher Janice Abbott said a lack of resources meant they had to use cheap balls and makeshift tables.
One pupil said: "Most schools are a bit more rich than us and they can afford proper tables."
Mrs Abbott said: "The children have to refine their skills on small tables - and this is beneficial.
"The boys came equal third in Sheffield in a tournament and have just returned from a regional one in Bradford."
She said the school did not buy tables at first because of the expense and health and safety concerns about moving and storing them.
A local club has now donated one full-size table.
The pupils are now getting six weeks' training from an experienced coach to prepare for the next tournament.
The story is typical but sad, given the sport needs an injection of cash all round. All schools should be given relevant materials and resources for learning and sport.
Click here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7200000/newsid_7209600/7209681.stm?bw=bb&mp=wm&news=1&bbcws=1)to see the East Midlands Today video.
A Derbyshire school's table-tennis team has achieved success despite having to practice on dinner tables.
All Saints Primary School from Matlock has won a county regional championship and the boy's team finished joint third at a Sheffield tournament.
Teacher Janice Abbott said a lack of resources meant they had to use cheap balls and makeshift tables.
One pupil said: "Most schools are a bit more rich than us and they can afford proper tables."
Mrs Abbott said: "The children have to refine their skills on small tables - and this is beneficial.
"The boys came equal third in Sheffield in a tournament and have just returned from a regional one in Bradford."
She said the school did not buy tables at first because of the expense and health and safety concerns about moving and storing them.
A local club has now donated one full-size table.
The pupils are now getting six weeks' training from an experienced coach to prepare for the next tournament.
The story is typical but sad, given the sport needs an injection of cash all round. All schools should be given relevant materials and resources for learning and sport.
Click here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7200000/newsid_7209600/7209681.stm?bw=bb&mp=wm&news=1&bbcws=1)to see the East Midlands Today video.