There are just a couple of days left to make a nomination for the Pride of Table Tennis Awards, so don’t delay – if you know an amazing volunteer who deserves recognition, please put them forward.

Among the categories are those honouring coaches, clubs, leagues, schools or partner organisations – plus of course the Volunteer and Young Volunteer of the Year Awards.

One of the other categories is the Contribution to Table Tennis Award, which recognises the outstanding contribution to table tennis this person gives through their time and talents which enables others to participate and succeed – it is open to any age but must be for a recognition of at least 10 years’ service in a club, league, county or region.

Perhaps you know a someone like Hans Soova BEM (pictured above), who picked up the Contribution to Table Tennis Award in 2021.

Hans has been heavily involved with table tennis coaching for more than half a century. Starting his coaching journey in 1965 in Bradford, Hans became head coach at the centre of excellence in Leeds.

Through Hans’ tutelage 24 players went on to represent England internationally at senior, junior and cadet levels, with many more at schools’ internationals.

In 2012, Hans was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to table tennis. He shows no signs of slowing down and, prior to lockdown, was coaching five or six times a week in schools and clubs, working with county, junior national and grassroots players. Through his knowledge and love for the sport, so many have benefitted and will continue to benefit.

Asked why he coaches, Hans said: “Because I think table tennis is just magic, I want to pass this magic on to as many people as possible, to play, to enjoy. It goes beyond sport, it is a friend to the world.”

Do you know a similar inspirational individual who is worthy of a Pride of Table Tennis award? If so, now is the time to nominate them!

Nominations close at 11:59pm on Sunday 20th November 2022