Let's Play Ping Pong

Table Tennis is a volunteer-run program for all the members (children, youth, adults and seniors) of City Park CO-OP Apartments. No experience required. Just show up and play.

 “Let’s Play Ping Pong” is a stand-alone project, coordinated by Cecile Nguyen. Her goal is to transform people’s well-being through playing table tennis. She referred to it as “Pong for Fun”.

 The Ping Pong project was launch on November 4, 2025. It will run for six months until April 28, 2026.

1. We provide you a place of fun during the Fall, Winter and Spring seasons. The duration of this program is from November 4, 2025 to April 28, 2026.

2. We provide a social and friendly environment where members can have a friendly game and a good laugh with one another.

3. We provide top-of-the-line ping pong gears such as ping pong table, net, paddles, balls and score counter.

4. Our volunteers will provide you free lessons and guidance to get you started. No experience needed.

1. Table tennis is a recreational sport, which can range from moderate to intense, offering fun and social engagement for all age levels in City Park CO-OP Apartments.

2. The focus is on developing sharpness of the brain, strategy and advanced techniques for all skill levels. Many ping pong enthusiasts begin to see improvements with their hand-eye coordination, reflex, balance, cardio & physical fitness after playing several games. They also sleep well at night.

3. How does playing ping pong reduce mental stress?  The fast-paced nature of ping pong requires concentration, quick reflexes, and strategic thinking, which stimulates various parts of the brain and can lead to increased levels of “happy hormones” such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine.  The sense of accomplishment from a good shot or winning a game also contributes to dopamine release, which is linked to the brain's reward system.

4. How can someone beat loneliness or depression? Ping pong is a social sport where you can play singles or doubles with friends, neighbours and family. You will never play alone. This social interaction can foster a sense of belonging and community, which is highly beneficial for mental health and well-being, further boosting mood. One must aim to increase social interaction to beat isolation.

1. Each player must sign a waiver form before playing. Parent or guardian must sign the waiver form for their children who are 18 years old and under.

2. Good table tennis etiquette includes sportsmanship like shaking hands (before & after the game) and showing respect to your playmates, the volunteers, the staff, the game, and the equipments.

3. Showing good manners is a core part of the sport. NO player should use any foul language, curse word and insulting words during the game. Showing abusive behaviour towards the volunteers, staff and your playmates is not accepted and tolerated.

4. Player must handle table tennis equipments with respect and total care. Never throw your racket or hit the table out of frustration. Don't sit or lean on the tables because most ping pong tables are not designed for this and can be damaged.

5. Any player who does not comply with the rules and regulations set up by the program coordinator will be asked to leave the PMG room.

1. Listen to your body: To avoid any injury, STOP playing if you experience any sharp pain, having cramp on your leg, hips, knee, ankle, wrist or shoulder. Speak or inform the volunteer on sight of your status in order to take preventive measures.

2. Hydration: Hydration is crucial because water is essential for almost every bodily function, including regulating body temperature, lubricating joints, and transporting nutrients and waste. Staying hydrated helps with cognitive performance, physical performance, digestion, and preventing conditions like headaches, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections.

3. Warm up Your Body First before You Play: Perform regular stretching and strengthening exercises to prevent injury and improve performance. Proper warm-ups, including mobility drills and core strengthening, are crucial before and after games.

4. Rest or take a break if you feel tired after you finish a match. Monitor signs of overexertion, like increased pulse and breathlessness.

1. Hydration: Bring your own water or any preferred electrolyte/sports drink when playing ping pong.

2. Towel: Bringing a clean towel is necessary for wiping sweat and can be used after the game.

3. Wear appropriate shoes: Wear clean, indoor shoes that do not leave mud and wet snow on the carpet/floor.

4. Wear comfortable or loose clothes: Wearing comfortable or loose clothes during a game is important primarily because it allows for unrestricted freedom of movement, prevents injury, aids in body temperature regulation, and reduces physical distractions, which helps maintain focus.

Here are the ten important skills you need to master in order to

become a good table tennis player. Follow these skill set according to

this order.

GROUP 1: THE FOUNDATIONS - These are the foundations you need to establish at the beginning.

1. GRIP

2. STANCE

3. FOOTWORK
   
   GROUP 2: FOUR BASIC STROKES - These are the four basic table tennis strokes and will make up the bulk of your game.
   
   

4. FOREHAND DRIVE

5. BACKHAND DRIVE

6. BACKHAND PUSH

7. FOREHAND PUSH
   
   GROUP 3: THE FINISHING TOUCHES - They are the finishing touches that will allow you to convert your newly learnt skills into points in a match.
   
   

8. SERVE

9. RETURN OF SERVE

10. MATCH PLAY

All information listed here are compiled by: Cecile Nguyen

Date: November 2025