Who we are

Keen-Agers table-tennis is an association of retired volunteers who have undertaken to encourage and facilitate the development of social table tennis clubs for older people. We are led by an executive committee which works collaboratively with VicHealth, Council on the Ageing (COTAVIC), Table Tennis Victoria, local table tennis clubs and associations, as well local and statewide health-related agencies. 

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The first Keen-Agers club was started by John Gale in Bairnsdale in 2001. Vichealth funded Keen-Agers in 2002-5 in its early developmental stages. COTA was funded in 2007 by VicHealth to work with Keen-Agers to expand the model across Victoria and to evaluate its impact. There are now over 20 Keen-Agers clubs with more than 700 regular participants.
You are never too old to enjoy being active. That's the message from Keen-Agers, a project that has put a whole new spin on table tennis. And on Wednesday 12th December 07 Keen-Agers' contribution to increasing physical activity in older people was recognised by VicHealth with an outstanding achievement award. Keen-Agers - Increasing Physical Activity Amongst Senior Victorians was successful in the category for projects with budgets under $75,000.

The award was presented to Council on the Ageing (COTA) Vic Executive Director, Sue Hendy and the founder of Keen-Agers, John Gale at VicHealth's Annual General Meeting and Awards Night on 12 December 2007, in front of an audience of 750 people.

According to VicHealth CEO Todd Harper "This year's VicHealth awards for outstanding achievement in health promotion highlight the innovative and inspirational work being undertaken by VicHealth's partners around the State. Keen-Agers has made a significant difference to the lives of many older people across Victoria", said Sue Hendy. "It provides an opportunity for people to participate in a healthy activity in a social, non-competitive environment."

As John Gale said, "Most people can remember playing table tennis as a kid, but you are never to old to pick up a bat and enjoy a friendly game. Everyone should have the opportunity to participate in physical activity. Keen-Agers makes this possible."

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Keen-Agers mission statement

1. Keen-Agers Table Tennis promotes recreational Table Tennis as an enjoyable physical activity for older residents and retirees in local communities, having in view the benefits deriving from such activities in a friendly social setting.

2. We encourage the development of local, self-funding Keen-Agers clubs and groups, which have common membership, rules and visiting privileges.

3. We foster Local, Regional and State-wide partnerships and networks which facilitate access to suitably equipped venues for Keen-Agers activities at suitable times. 

4 We identify and facilitate funding to establish and develop local Keen-Ager clubs.

 

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Key in Keenagers on YouTube to access a live session at Drouin Keen-Agers.

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Keen-Agers Privacy Policy

1. Member contact details are recorded online but are securely kept private to all but appointed officers of KeenAgers Inc. and its associated clubs. 2. Keen-Agers Inc. or officers of its associated clubs do not make Member contact details available for any purpose to any third-party.

3. Each Contact registered on www.keenagers.org.au is provided with its own login details for secure private access to review and update the owner's contact details.

4. The contact details of Keen-Agers appointed officers are made available for online public access.

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History of Table Tennis

 

 ITTF's Museum of Table Tennis History.

Terrific place to visit. 50 rooms of fascinating memorabilia.

 

WikiPedia's introduction to the great game

WikiPedia's introduction is very comprehensive & full of other interesting links.

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