Have A Hit

March 21st, 2019

The Aldgate Table Tennis Club was established in the mid 1950s and President David Helbig has been tracking it's history through local newspaper records.

Now over 60 years later the club is still holding social competitions and open days for the public to enjoy.

16 year old Lucy Thiele has been playing for just under a year and has loved what the sport has given her.

“Well, I have a lot of lung issues where I have half of a person's normal lung capacity so I have to work twice as hard just to function normally,” Lucy said.

“I've always really wanted to get into sport but with my medical issues and breathing difficulties I've never been able to do group activities outside of school but table tennis was the perfect opportunity because it doesn't involve much running.

“It's also really good because most sports and activities help you to meet people so it's been good to meet a few friendly faces.”

Lucy said the social aspects of the club have been really positive helping her to meet other young people although the club is always recruiting more.

“I think it would be really cool if more teenagers joined because I don't think many people know about table tennis as an actual sport in the Adelaide Hills compared to netball and soccer,” Lucy said.

David Helbig said table tennis is a fantastic social sport that gives a low impact workout perfect for those with injuries or conditions making it hard to compete.

“There are a lot of physical benefits from the sport including brain training as it keeps your reflexes sharp and your mind alert,” David said.

“Whilst it's not very physically taxing I’ve had people show up before who couldn't believe how much of a work out it actually is, although it's not like running a marathon – don't get me wrong.

“If you're a little older it helps give you the workout that your body needs and there are a lot of benefits for people with a disability.”

David has been playing on and off since the 80s and said the thing he loves most about the Aldgate club is its sense of comradeship.

The group shares a meal after each meeting, bringing plates of cakes or biscuits to have over tea or coffee and a 'chinwag.'

“We chat about the game, the latest gossip or we solve the worlds problems,” David said.

“It's really good socially because we all want to go out and beat each other but we're also really good friends.”

David said there's no excuse for people not to come as the group holds their social matches from 2-4pm on Sunday afternoons – a time that he says most people reserve for the couch and television.

“With the competitions held from May to September throughout the winter months it's an outlet for people who've been cooped up because of the rain and just want to come and have a hit,” David said.

“There's no rain, no sun burn, you don't have to worry about the weather.”

With everything provided for you all that's left to do is sign up before the season starts in May.

Contact David on 0408 831 833 for more information or visit the Facebook page.

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