Table Tennis @Boyd serves up community spirit in Southbank

Chau Giang & Artemis Pattichi

Southbank’s newest community sport initiative, Table Tennis @Boyd, officially launched in April and is already proving a smash hit with locals.

The free weekly program, held every Friday from 4pm to 6pm at the Boyd Community Hub, invites Southbankers of all ages and abilities to come together over a fun, low-impact game that’s accessible to everyone.

The launch event saw strong community turnout, with local MP for Albert Park Nina Taylor and the City of Melbourne’s portfolio lead for community, health and city services Cr Gladys Liu, among those attending. The program also received valuable support from the council’s Southbank neighbourhood partner Ash Lee.

The project is the brainchild of Southbank resident and Table Tennis Australia registered coach Chau Giang, a long-time advocate for the sport. With accolades including a silver medal at the Australian Corporate Games and podium finishes at the 2019 World Veteran Tour in Townsville, Ms Giang said she wanted to bring something active, inclusive and community-driven to Southbank.

“I truly believe that table tennis is a sport for everyone,” she said.

Recognising a lack of accessible sporting activities in Southbank, Ms Giang applied for and received a City of Melbourne Connected Neighbourhood Small Grant to launch the initiative. Her vision is to provide residents with a fun and healthy way to connect, while offering free professional coaching.

Recent junior and open championships showcased at Table Tennis @Boyd were enthusiastically received by the community, with support from local businesses including Mr Summit Café & Bar, Woolworths, and Arts Centre Melbourne.

Participants have included local families, international students, and even interstate and overseas visitors from countries including India, Indonesia, Sweden and England. “It was a delight to attend and see this terrific initiative take off,” Nina Taylor said.

To learn more or get involved, visit: participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au •