Youngsters from Christ The Saviour beat off competition with their table skills

A hot shot table tennis player from Ealing's Christ the Saviour Church of England Primary School took top honours at a Table Tennis competition.

The West London Regional Final of the Jack Petchey London & Essex Schools’ Table Tennis Singles was held on 9th February at Hillingdon Table Tennis Club. The event bought together 24 players from 9 schools from across West London.

Ken Ahumuza, age 10, (photo above) won the Boys U11 category beating Edward Kalnakov ( photo below) , also 10 from the same school. Ken cruised through the rounds winning them all 3-0 doing the same in the final.

Ken has been playing table tennis for four years after playing at Church with his dad and his brother Kan. Then the family bought a table at home where Ken honed his skills. He likes the sport because he needs to be quick on his feet, loves smashes, and thinks it’s very social.

Ken said: “This is my first time in this competition and the standard was good. I was surprised to win and can’t wait for the final.”

In the Girls U11 Category Jacqueline Lesh ( pictured below) , also 10, from Christ the Saviour Primary School was runner up losing 3-0 to Mia Lakhani aged 10, from Northwood College

The Jack Petchey Table Tennis programme includes competition opportunities through the Schools via Team and Individual Championships, with progression to the grand finals. The Individual SINGLES final takes place on Saturday 6th April at the University of East London.

The project also includes the donation of indoor and outdoor table tennis tables and equipment which is also helping to increase interest in the sport. So far over 1,700 tables have been donated to more than 200 Secondary Schools and Colleges and in London and Essex. Over 5,884 students have played in competitions during the last year and over 40,000 school children have been directly impacted by the scheme since it started in 2011.

Sir Jack Petchey, CBE, 93-year-old founder of the Jack Petchey Foundation is passionate about giving young people freedom and opportunity. He said “As a young man I absolutely loved playing table tennis. It kept me fit and active and looking back I can see how it also developed my self-discipline and confidence. It’s great to know so many take part in the sport every week and this programme is close to my heart.”

18th February 2019