A COMPETITION to raise participation in sport and physical activity among Leigh’s black and minority ethnic groups culminated in a smashing table tennis final.
On Tuesday finalists pushed their ping pong skills to the limit as part of the first ever Active World Table Tennis Tournament.
Organised by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust (WLCT) the month long competition was part of the borough’s Active World project which aims to break down sporting barriers faced by black and minority ethnic groups and increase participation in the wider community.
Former Irish table tennis champ Jonny Cowan was on hand to offer some top tips.
Jonny, now assistant Chief Executive of Greatersport - the Greater Manchester Sports Partnership - said:
“When I was younger this is what it was all about; having fun and making friends. But also Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust has a whole host of opportunities through their Sports Development Unit that can now connect these guys with teams.
“So there’s a great opportunity to get out there and compete.”
The final at the LASARS (Leigh Asylum Seekers and Refugees) centre in Leigh was packed with spectators for the doubles and singles finals.
Perter Nduna won the singles final while duo Hassan Mahdavi and Haftom Kiflom were crowned king of the doubles.
More than 40 people took part in the competition from across the community.
Jeff Gorse, Active World organiser for WLCT, said:
“One of the principal aims of the Active World programme is to promote integrated and joint participation in sport and physical activities between all communities in the borough. Hopefully it will inspire some people to take up the sport at their local sports centres and clubs.
“This is the second competition organised and the first in Leigh and there’s been a tremendous uptake from all communities.
“Research has consistently shown that black and minority ethnic people are one of the hardest to reach groups in terms of participating in sport and physical activity.
“The reasons for this are many and varied, including cost, lack of awareness of events and opportunities and transport.
“Sport is universally understood and is a perfect way to overcome the language barrier that often blocks integration into communities.”
Canon Alan Gawith, retired leader of St John's Parish Church - who has been keenly involved with LASARS since its formation in 2004 - handed over the trophies to the winners. WLCT’s Community Activity Officer Serge Modjo was on hand to referee the game.
Active World is a programme funded by Sport England Community Investment Fund money and led by the Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust and World in Wigan – a voluntary group who work with black and minority ethnic groups in Wigan Borough.
