By Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports

ActiveSG Interest Programme Table Tennis

Under the ActiveSG table tennis interest programme, 21 adults gather every Tuesday evenings at Jurong West Sports Centre to pit their skills against one another. (Photo 1 © Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports)

Jurong West Sports Centre, Tuesday, June 24, 2014 — Under the ActiveSG table tennis interest programme, like-minded individuals who share a passion for the sport gather every Tuesday to pit their skills against one another.

ActiveSG aims to provide affordable sports programmes for Singaporeans of all ages and levels. It is one of the recommendations of Vision 2030.

From 7 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday, table tennis enthusiasts gather at Jurong West Sports Hall for an enjoyable time of non-competitive table tennis games. The programme is managed by a convener from Sport Singapore, who will ensure fair play amongst participants. In addition, adults need only pay a tri-monthly fee of $21 to gain access to the programme. For senior citizens, the fee is just $10.

Currently, there are about 21 active participants, ranging from their 20s to 60s. The programme has helped to forge friendships among the participants, who are mostly made up of citizens living in the area.

“I think the programme is not bad. Everyone who comes here to play is from our neighbourhood, so we can make friends and get to know each other better,” said Lee Seng Fatt in Mandarin. The 59-year-old has been playing the sport for more than 40 years. Lee is also coaching the sport privately.

Pauline Cheong, who is in her 50s, plays the sport on a recreational basis. Cheong said in Mandarin, “I’m very happy to see people playing table tennis when I come here. It rids me of all my worries. I think the interest group is a good idea, as it allows me to get to know everyone better. Most of the participants are my friends and neighbours, and playing together here brings us closer together.”

For more details on the interest group, go to: myactivesg.com

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