Sports
November 20, 2008 08:22 PM
Mike Hayakawa
Who says the sport of table tennis isn’t popular?
Especially in Markham.
What began in 2006 with just 18 members at its 1181 Dennison St. indoor facility, the Canadian Chinese Table Tennis Association has grown by leaps and bounds to where they now host 536 members of various ages and ethnic backgrounds.
But with the growth in the one of the largest table tennis club’s in Canada comes a need to expand.
Hosting a news conference Friday, the association announced it will double the size of its 8,000-square-foot building after acquiring the adjacent unit.
Noting that expansion plans had been in the works for the last six months, Harvey Fung, association president, said the expansion is slated to begin Dec. 1.
Once the expansion begins, it is expected to be completed within two months, he estimated.
Estimating the expansion will cost approximately $100,000 to carry out, Fung said the association will have an additional 18 playing tables to go with the 17 members currently use.
Fung added part of the expansion will include the construction of spectator stands for people to watch any major tournaments the association would host.
“Right now we don’t have enough space for our membership,” Fung said. “Table tennis is a sport that’s for everyone. For kids, women and men. It’s a great form of exercise.”
Fung was quick to note the Town of Markham has given the association its full support. Especially since the association has created additional recreational and social opportunities for local residents.
“The association needs our help,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti, who attended the news conference along with Councillor Tony Wong.
“They provide a great opportunity for people to learn the game and to give people of all ages a chance to come together to play, learn the game and create friendships.
“We want to raise the level of physical activity for people in our community.”
In an effort to raise further funds for the association and their expansion, Fung noted they will stage a fundraising dinner Nov. 21 at Ruby Restaurant (1571 Sandhurst Circle in Scarborough) starting at 7 p.m.
While the association is receiving financial assistance for the expansion from its membership, Fung hopes it can raise an additional $20,000 or more through their fundraising dinner.
For those wishing to attend the fundraiser, they can call 905-475-8899 or log on to
www.cctta.ca