A house RESOLUTION

 

TO DECLARE APRIL 23, 2025, "TABLE TENNIS DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO ENCOURAGE ALL SOUTH CAROLINIANS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE HEALTH BENEFITS AND PLEASURE OF PLAYING THIS ENJOYABLE SPORT.

 

Whereas, table tennis (also known as ping-pong) is a racket sport derived from tennis but distinguished by a playing surface atop a stationary table, rather than the court on which tennis players stand. Play is fast, requiring quick reaction and constant attention, and is characterized by an emphasis on spin, which can affect the ball's trajectory more than in other ball sports; and

 

Whereas, health benefits abound to those who spend time enjoying table tennis. Playing ping-pong improves hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and balance. It also goes easy on the joints, burns calories, and offers a social outlet; and

 

Whereas, further, it develops mental acuity and keeps your brain sharp while stimulating various parts of the brain; and

 

Whereas, best of all, anyone can play table tennis, including children as young as four years old; and

 

Whereas, last year, to support the increased enjoyment and accessibility of table tennis, Midlands Technical College freshman Tripp Roche founded Carolina Pong, a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing the sport of table tennis in Columbia and across South Carolina. Club members of all ages and skill levels meet every Monday night at Saint Andrews Park, where they regularly have twenty-five attendees. Recently, the group expanded, adding a satellite location at Lexington Leisure Center, which is open daily. In addition, Carolina Pong partnered with the City of Columbia to install Columbia's first outdoor table tennis table on Main Street, and the club hosts regular outreach events to engage the public and introduce newcomers to the sport; and

 

Whereas, Carolina Pong is also bringing back the South Carolina State Table Tennis Championships for the first time in more than thirty years. The event is slated to take place at Carolina Pong's home club, Saint Andrews Park; and

 

Whereas, the House is delighted to see the renewal of interest in table tennis, and the members encourage all South Carolinians to take part in the healthful recreation offered by this pleasurable sport. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, declare April 23, 2025, "Table Tennis Day" in South Carolina and encourage all South Carolinians to take advantage of the health benefits and pleasure of playing this enjoyable sport.

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