Ping pong goes on the road in effort to win more players

The Travelling Ping Pong Parlour is a one-of-a-kind van which comes complete with a set of tables, seating for spectators to watch matches and a hatch to issue thirsty players with bats and balls and refreshments.

As well as being able to play ping pong for free there was a chance for willing players to pit their skills against table tennis professionals to win prizes.

It aims to get people across the country playing table tennis, for free in order to encourage community spirit and get people active.

Ping! is also supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Innovation Fund and aims to get one million more people playing sport as part of the legacy of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Meera Sodha, Director of Ping! said: “Putting a ping pong table on the street gives people a chance to connect with other people and the city around them - suddenly everyone is talking, playing, smiling and having fun – it generates an enormous sense of well being.”

Ping pong began in Victorian England as an after-dinner amusement and today table tennis is played throughout the world.

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