ROCKFORD — Hundreds of participants are coming this weekend to play the American Team Table Tennis Championship.
This is the 15th year of the tournament and the 12th time it has been held in Rockford.
Edward Hogshead, Tournament Director and Founder, says: “There is always someone to cheer you on to win and there is always someone to comfort you when you don’t win. That’s why we love team tournaments. I have always loved team tournaments.”
This year has the highest number of teams and international players, giving Rockford a great economic boost.
“You have hotels, food, gas, everything. In fact, I’ve had people asking me where I can get this and where should I get this,” Hogshead added.
Sam Lowton and Karl Rosenberg came to Rockford from Cincinnati, Ohio for the big tournament this weekend.
“You often play with the same people at your home club. You travel to tournaments, you meet more people and it’s more challenging. More brain activity, more thinking,” Lowton said.
But for her it’s more than just a competition.
“It’s about self-improvement. Learning to remain calm under stress and to act on an equal footing with other people who are doing the same,” Rosenberg said.
This year there is a Major Table Tennis League in the USA for the first time.
“There has never been a major table tennis league in the United States. There are big leagues in the Czech Republic, Germany, China, Japan and other countries. There never is one here,” Hogshead added.
The preliminary and division rounds take place on Saturday from 9 a.m., the division finals on Sunday.
Everyone is welcome to attend the event at UW Health Sports Factory for free all weekend long.
