Table Tennis

Since its first introduction at the 1987 Special Olympics World Games where 12 athletes competed in the table tennis competition, participation in the sport has grown tremendously. In 1999, over 220 athletes competed in table tennis at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Chapel Hill, N.C. Today, approximately 50 countries worldwide now have programs in Special Olympics table tennis.

Table tennis is currently one of seven nationally popular sports in Special Olympics. Table tennis is a fast-paced sport which requires excellent hand eye coordination. There are elements of power and finesse which athletes must possess in order to play table tennis. A "kill" can reach speeds of 60 miles per hour, while a classic spin shot may send the ball spinning at thousands of revolutions per minute.

Table tennis is in the winter sports schedule for Special Olympics Texas with statewide competition at the Winter Games in December. The following events are sanctioned by Special Olympics Texas and are to be offered at all local, area and chapter competitions. The actual events scheduled and conducted at local, area and chapter competitions will be determined by a minimum number of entries in each event.

Events
Singles
Doubles
Unified Doubles
Wheelchair
Competition
Individual Skills Contest