Table Tennis

On Monday night I attended a come and try night for table tennis about an hour away from where I live. The program is designed for people with varying abilities and skill levels but as is the case at most of the things like this that I attend, I was the only wheelchair user.

When my carer and I arrived I introduced myself to the person who seemed to be in charge and then explained that I had never played table tennis before. The guy looked at me in my wheelchair and was immediately negative “ your chair won’t fit through the gates here” and suggested that maybe they would set me up in another room. I thought that would be stupid as the nights are supposed to be a social opportunity as well. So I suggested that we try the gate and I fitted. The guy decided he would play with me but only did so for about 5 minutes before leaving me. I stood around a fair while before somebody else came to play with me.

We played for about 20 minutes and then they guy in charge came back over and spoke to my carer. “Being in the chair Karen won’t be able to participate in the last 15 minutes. Take her over there and let her watch”. The last 15 minutes consisted of everyone lining up and taking one turn at hitting the ball before going to the back of the line- the line would then be gone back through with a person being eliminated until there was a winner left.

There was no reason why I couldn’t have moved trough the line with the help of my carer. I felt like they just didn’t want to include me which was kind of strange when the time is supposed to be about including people of all abilities not just those with intellectual disabilities.

So all in all, while the table tennis was fun I don't think its the right place for me and I will continue my search for a new hobby.