Elite table tennis returns to town

BALLARAT is set to host the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Oceania Senior and Youth Championships next year.

The events are supported by the State Government’s Significant Sporting Events Program and the City of Ballarat.

The Oceania Championships will be on from 16 to 30 August and the Youth Championships will occur from 1 to 5 September.

“We are thrilled to bring our showpiece continental events to Ballarat, which has been made possible through our partnership with the Victorian Government and the City of Ballarat,” ITTF-Oceania CEO Scott Houston said.

“Both organisations were ultra-supportive of bringing the events to the region and we are appreciative that they have backed in our vision for the events.”

Both events will also include the ITTF-Oceania Regional Championships, to be hosted by ITTF-Oceania and held at the Ballarat Table Tennis Association, which was the venue for the 1986 championships.

“We are thrilled to be hosting an international table tennis tournament right here in Ballarat,” mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said.

“The Ballarat Table Tennis Association venue at Hollioake Park is one of our unheralded treasures and is a fitting place to showcase a tournament of this calibre.

“I encourage Ballarat residents to come and watch next year’s event and experience a great spectacle.”

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said it will be great to see elite table tennis played in Ballarat.

“These tournaments will showcase our top table tennis talent and bring visitors from across Oceania to Ballarat, boosting local businesses and jobs, and filling up accommodation,” Mr Dimopoulos said.