A TABLE tennis fanatic, who has been playing the sport for more than 60 years, has been presented with a national award from Table Tennis England for his voluntary work within the sport.

Roger Bowkett, from Gunnislake, was presented with the runner-up prize in the Unsung Hero category of the Table Tennis England annual volunteer awards. He was presented with his trophy during a reception at the PG Mutual National Championships in Hatfield at the end of March.

At 73-years-old, Roger’s usual week is spent teaching youngsters the sport, coaching players and playing himself in two local leagues.

He said: ‘I’m a level two coach and altogether I play about eight times a week. I do three after school clubs at primary schools in Horrabridge, Tavistock and Milton Abbot, hold three evening clubs in Horrabridge, Milton Abbot and Gunnislake and I play in the Okehampton and Exeter leagues. I also help coach in Plymouth on Sundays.

‘I do a lot for the youngsters and organise tournaments in the area. It gives the youngsters a chance to try it out and progress in the sport. Table tennis is one of the fastest growing sports and is played by a wide variety of ages — in my league the oldest player is 87 and the youngest is nine!’

Roger said the sport is also said to be good for keeping Alzheimer’s away as it is thought to keep the mind active and help keep reactions sharp.

‘I took up coaching just under ten years ago,’ said Roger. ‘I have played the sport for 60 years and I wanted to put something back into a sport that I love so I got into coaching. I have been organising the after school clubs for about eight years — it’s so rewarding to see youngsters getting involved in the sport and progress their skills. One girl, who lives in Gunnislake, has been the Cornwall under 11 champion for the past three years and is number 12 in the country at the moment.

There are quite a few others I’ve taught as well who have gone on to be very good. I like to bring them up to a certain level then move them on to the Joola Centre in Plymouth, where they get the chance to train with more experienced players.’

Roger said the award came as a surprise as he had no idea he had even been nominated for the Unsung Hero award.

‘It came as a complete shock. I just received an email from Table Tennis England saying I had won the runner-up award. I discovered afterwards that quite a few of the parents and players had put my name forward for the award. I don’t like a big fuss, I like to be in the background really but it’s nice to think that people appreciate what you do, but it’s not about me it’s to advance the sport and what it is all about.’