A RIVERLAND sporting club is set to celebrate the beginning of its 2020 season with an improved playing area and new competition format.
The Renmark Table Tennis Association has recently completed upgrades on its playing facilities – at the KM Tucker Show Hall – using funding from the State Government’s Sport Community Recreation and Sport Facilities grants, and the Renmark Paringa Council.
Renmark Table Tennis Association member Nigel Stoeckel said the funding was targeted at improving both player and spectator facilities.
“We were successful in the Sport and Recreation Grants so we received money from that, and then Renmark Paringa Council put in money as well,” Mr Stoeckel said.
“We were able to resurface the whole floor of the hall, and we added a kitchen and viewing area down the end.
“Spectators can watch all the matches and have a complimentary tea and coffee in a bit of comfort down the end.
“It gives it more of a community and club feel… (people) can come watch the family play or relax after playing a game themselves.”
Mr Stoeckel said players had been waiting for renovations on the hall’s floor and lighting – initially proposed to council in 2018 – for a number of years.
“We used to have a pretty detrimental floor,” he said.
“There used to be potholes like a road so the floor upgrade has been great and we’ve upgraded the lighting as well.
“We’ve increased the lighting potential, so there’s good lighting and a good surface to play on.”
Alongside the regular Wednesday night competition, the Renmark Table Tennis Association is also set to run a social competition on Tuesday nights – beginning July 28 – for teams of three.
Mr Stoeckel said registration for the competition would cost $10 per team each week, with equipment available for use at the club.
“If you’re looking for something to do and you want to have a bit of fun, it’s a social game that any age or standard can come have a go at,” he said.
“It’s not expensive, it’s a cheap way to get out, get active and have a go at sport during this trying time.”
A Come ‘n Try night for the 2020 social competition is set to be held on Tuesday, July 21, beginning at 6.30pm.
For further information, or to register a team for the social competition, contact Nigel Stoeckel on 0405 439 259.