I mean, we’ve all been there right? Ping-Pong table at Das Kino; there’s an atmosphere, you’re on your game, things are going well, so well you decide to tweet a Commonwealth table tennis champion and challenge them to a match.
Education for the Children were hosting a twelve hour Ping-Pong-A-Thon at Das Kino when local supporter Rob Evans had the smashing idea to contact Olympian, Sam Walker and challenge him to a match. Of course, local lad Sam agreed and raised the bar even higher; for a donation to the charity, anyone was welcome to take on the Commonwealth medal winner.
Proceeds from the event will go to the West Bridgford based charity’s School of Hope in Guatemala, where they currently provide primary and secondary education for 469 students from the deprived local community and support another 204 in higher education. On top of this, they ensure that students have access to healthcare, social services, psychological support and careers guidance giving them the best chance in life and helping them to go on to secure employment.
Ultimately, Education for the Children aims to break the cycle of poverty in one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere; where rates of violence, illiteracy and malnutrition are high and a staggering 66% of the population lives on less than £1.50 per day. 'For the students at the school in Guatemala extreme poverty, gang crime, domestic violence and alcoholism are everyday realities.' Fundraising Officer, Billie Turner remarks, 'Access to a quality education empowers these students to become motivated, confident and employable. Our aim is that our students graduate from the School of Hope into secure formal employment that will enable them to break the cycle of poverty and build a better future for themselves and their community.'
So there you have it; it’s not everyday you get to challenge a professional athlete, but head down to Rushcliffe School at 7pm this Friday and you could be in with a shot. Be warned though, a Commonwealth medalist when he was just nineteen and a GB Olympic squad member, Walker won't be taking any prisoners.
The event will be held at Rushcliffe School by the West Bridgford Table Tennis Club on Friday 5th April from 19:00-21:00.
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