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Guinness World record bid success for Belfast table tennis club
Belfast based Ormeau Table Tennis Club have officially reclaimed (waiting verification) their Guinness World Record for the ‘Most consecutive opponents in a table tennis rally.’
On Thursday (21st March) at East Belfast’s The Banana Block 120 people successfully participated playing against Commonwealth Games athlete Paul McCreery enabling the Club to smash the current record of 117 which had been held by Brighton Table Tennis Club for the past two years.
Back in 2017 Ormeau Table Tennis Club had set a record of 113 consecutive opponents, which was subsequently snatched away by the Brighton club two years ago.
Club coach Gervis Knox said he was thrilled to win back the World Record and thanked everyone who took part in what was also a fundraiser for the Mary Peters Trust:
“It was an extraordinary evening, fast paced and huge fun for all. We’re over the moon to have broken the record and are so grateful to everyone who turned up, practiced, and helped us clinch our goal.
“We were particularly honoured to have Lady Mary Peters as our special guest and delighted that she picked up her paddle as one of the fantastic crowd of volunteers taking part. So many of our club members have been supported by the Mary Peters Trust over many years.”
The world record bid also raised cash for the Mary Peters Trust, a sporting charity which helps young people, both disabled and able-bodied to achieve their sporting dreams and ambitions.
In addition to spotlighting all the work that the Mary Peters Trust does to help young athletes, Gervis hopes the event will also raise the profile of Ormeau Table Tennis Club.
“We’re a big club with over 150 members. All abilities and all ages are welcomed. The youngest is about seven and with our oldest members being in their 80s.” Gervis said.
“We hope this Guinness World Record challenge will encourage more young people to take an interest in table tennis.”
Lady Mary Peters, who took the first shot said she was absolutely delighted for Ormeau Table Tennis Club, “Everyone had an absolute ball, there was a wonderful atmosphere and I’ve no doubt the event will inspire more people to take up the sport. Raising funds for the Mary Peters Trust has been the icing on the cake and I would like to thank everyone who donated. It really will make a difference to our young athletes.”
