Volunteers are at the heartbeat of table tennis in England. Each week, month and year, people are dedicating their time to ensure table tennis is able to flourish and grow. As a National Governing Body, we have the opportunity annually to say ‘Thank You’ and showcase the incredible people in our sport through the Pride of Table Tennis Awards, which honours and celebrates our volunteers and young volunteers.

In a week in which we are championing women and girls, we are pleased to reveal the inspirational women and girls in our sport for their tireless volunteering contributions to table tennis over the last 12 months. From delivering women only sessions, assisting at schools, creating a welcoming and safe environment, organising coaching sessions, arranging league matches or providing equipment, the finalists have truly gone above and beyond by putting others first and ensuring people can enjoy table tennis.

Johnathon Driscoll, Club Support Officer and Lead for the Pride of Table Tennis Awards notes:

“It is an absolute privilege to announce the inspirational Women and Girls who have volunteered their precious time over the last 12 months and have been selected as finalists in this year’s Pride of Table Tennis Awards. Often, volunteering opportunities can be more difficult for women and girls however, we hope today, we can raise awareness to #BreakTheBias and what better way to do this then showcase the superstars in our sport and celebrate their fantastic achievements.

“The finalists are role models for the contributions they make to grow the sport and making sessions more inclusive for everyone. We hope their achievements can be a catalyst to encouraging more Women and Girls to volunteer and play in table tennis. Congratulations and thank you!”

The national judging panel has met and this year’s female finalists for the Volunteer of the Year and Young Volunteer of the Year are as follows:

Volunteer of the Year

Rita Dixon (Brandon TTC) Nominated by Chris Leishman

Jenny Swain (Ashford TTC) Nominated by Sam Timms

Dale Ward (Harrogate Racquets Club) Nominated by Sarah Jackson and James Walker

Young Volunteer of the Year

Anna Cole (Littleton TTC) (Nominated by Duncan Arrandale)

Edie Newman Dewhurst (Cape Cornwall TTC) Nominated by David May

Holly Williams (Swerve TTC) Nominated by Steve Brunskill

The Finalists will be honoured at this years Centenary Dinner in Nottingham.

Inspired to volunteer? Click here to view opportunities.