April 27, 2009
Ping Pong
Shigemi Degawa, left, goes for a return to Don Hayme.
by Roland Pacheco
Courtesy of West Hawaii Today
April 15, 2009 - The second most popular game in the world isn't what you think it is.
Professional players of the sport aren't household names. They don't have lucrative sponsorship deals and make per year what LeBron James makes playing three games in a regular season. It doesn't require costly, hi-tech equipment, and is made even more accessible by the fact that anyone, at any age can play, as long as they possess the smallest bit of hand-eye coordination and desire.
Think you know what it is?
Think again.
"We're not playing no Ping Pong," said Len Winkler, Hawi resident and owner of Table Tennis and More, who is also a USA Table Tennis regional coach, umpire and certified referee.
In the early 1900s the name Ping Pong was trademarked and marketed by Parker Brothers, which was arguably the reason it gained such popularity. First played in the late 1800s in Victorian England, the game began as a way to play a sport indoors, and took its cue from tennis. Men were the first players of the fledgling game, often creating equipment from whatever was handy. Paddles were often the lids of cigarette cartons and balls were made from string or cork. By the time of the turn of the century, table tennis was a growing phenomena. Now many people know about or have played the game.
Winkler says it doesn't matter what it's called, he just wants to see more people playing.
A recent transplant from Phoenix, Winkler has been playing and coaching for more than 20 years. His enthusiasm for the game -- which since 1988 has been an official Olympic sport -- is infectious. Since moving to the Big Island two years ago, Winkler has started an open play table tennis club in Hawi. These weekly open play events give people a chance to get out and enjoy a friendly game of pong. Winkler supplies all the equipment and shares his knowledge of the game for free.
|
|
"Since Len has begun promoting here on the island, I've noticed a 100 percent uptick in interest. It's amazing," said John Romoa, president of the Waimea club, who also oversees the weekly meetings at the Waimea Community Center.
Winkler has even visited many of the schools on the island to offer exhibitions, hoping to tap into the interests of the younger crowd. Although this tactic has helped, he said that many of the people who show up do so because of word of mouth.
"It gives me something to do, to unwind and relax after work. It helps to clear my mind. It's also a great way to stay in shape," said William Akima, a regular at the Waimea Community Center.
According to Winkler, table tennis is considered a game of the mind, as much as a game of skill. He said basketball legend Michael Jordan insisted on having a Ping Pong table in the locker room so that he could warm up before a game.
"The rule is: If you're not visibly sweating after playing table tennis for five minutes, you're not playing the game, you're just messing around," Winkler said.
William Akima returns the ball while playing
table tennis
at the Waimea Recreational Center.
Photo By Anna Pacheco / Courtesy of West Hawaii Today
Table tennis is a perfect low impact aerobic activity that also increases hand/eye coordination and reflexes, as well as stimulating brain function, which is known to decrease with age. Some studies have shown that playing games such as table tennis have actually helped to prevent Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
For the children, table tennis is a perfect way to get exercise and burn off energy. For those up and coming youngsters with larger ambitions, there are several colleges in the U.S. that offer scholarships for the sport.
When asked what motivated him to offer free open play events, Winkler said he does it because he enjoys seeing people play. He also hopes to never have to charge for it. If people want to play, he said they should just show up.
"Ultimately I would like to coach someone into the Olympics," he said. He would also like to see table tennis become more popular in schools and he is always on the lookout for any signs of talent.
Winkler said he has seen people from all walks of life take up an interest in the game, from doctors and lawyers to construction workers and retirees. He also said the better table tennis players also play chess.
Imparting what seems to be an endless supply of factoids about the game, Winkler said in the time it takes a major league baseball player to hit a 100 mph fastball, a good table tennis player will hit the ball six times.
No matter what you call it, that definitely takes some skill.
Along with offering his open play events, Winkler also sponsors two sanctioned tournaments around the island, which require an entrance a fee. The next tournament takes place Saturday and Sunday at the Thelma Parker Gym in Waimea and is open to all ages and all skill levels. There are also several nonsanctioned tournaments, which occur throughout the island and are open to the public.
Open plays take place weekly in Hawi, Waimea and Hilo and are open to anyone interested. For more information on table tennis, times of open plays or upcoming tournaments please visit Table Tennis & More or contact Len Winkler at 889-1099.
| Download the latest Flash Player to view content. |