Desmond Douglas

Table tennis legend Desmond Douglas attended an event to inspire young people to get involved in sport.

Desmond Douglas

The former British champion visited Mildmay Community Centre in Woodville Road, Newington Green, for a seminar with youngsters aged 13 to 19 on a day which commemorated his contribution to sport.

He spoke about inspiring youth leadership through sport, which was followed by table tennis workshops and mini tournaments with John Giles, English Table Tennis Association (ETTA) coach.

Mr Douglas said: “I had an excellent day getting involved with young people and giving them encouragement. Table tennis is a great sport. You don’t have to be the best player, just get involved, play the game and enjoy it.”

The event was hosted by the Roots of Sports Project, Hackney, and was sponsored by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Founder and chairman Claudine Boothe, said: “The Roots of Sport project commemorates leaders who have used sport to transform lives at both grassroots and elite levels.”

n More information about more sporting seminars can be found online here www.rootsofsport.org.uk