Soldier On was proud to partner with Table Tennis ACT and officially launch the new Improving Wellbeing Through Table Tennis program in Canberra on 17 July.
The program’s delivery was made possible through grant funding announced in May this year, when the Table Tennis ACT-led program was named as one of seven 2024–25 ACT Veterans Grant Program recipients. The $15,000 funding will enable current and ex-Defence personnel to participate in table tennis activities in the ACT.
For former Australian Defence Force member, Todd Kliendienst, being actively involved with Table Tennis ACT as a regular player has been a positive – both mentally and physically.
‘I played a bit as a kid, but when you’re in the military and getting deployed, or on bases, there’s always a table tennis table, so I have played quite a bit during my 15 years as a regular and my five years as a reservist,’ Todd says.
He was inspired to explore a new-found interest in the sport a few years ago and says that, since joining the club as a competitive player and group coaching participant, he has improved his physical fitness and lost weight.
‘You squat down low and if you’ve been trained enough to get into good rallies, I can burn about 400 – 450 calories an hour while I’m playing. It’s incredible. It’s fantastic for the social side of things too. It’s one of those games that, no matter who you are, you can play and improve. It’s one of those sports you can keep playing well into older age. For veterans, I think it’s a great sport for physical and mental health – and it’s fun.’
A proud history of bringing people together
Table Tennis ACT is a non-profit organisation that has been operating since the 1950s and offers a wide range of activities to bring people together who enjoy playing table tennis, either socially or competitively. Club President Song Chen says that being awarded the grant funding will enable the organisation to continue its service to ensure that members of the veteran community can enjoy access to all the benefits playing table tennis can deliver.
‘Table tennis is a game that can be exciting, as well as highly skillful and competitive – but it can also be something that’s accessible for all ages and fitness levels and is a great game for making friendly social connections,’ he says. ‘Being awarded this grant is a wonderful way for our club to share these benefits with veterans and we’re so happy our collaboration with Soldier On can help create new opportunities to meet people, be part of a welcoming club and get involved in a fun activity.’
For Soldier On participant and ADF veteran, Bron, looking for an activity as an older person led her to re-connect with a game that she says she used to ‘muck around’ with since childhood.
‘Being an ex-military person, I can be quite competitive, and I would like to get better – but, really, it’s also just a great social thing to be involved in.’
An inclusive game of mental challenges
In between games, says Bron, there is always lots of friendly chatter – and one she believes is ideal for people who may be dealing with injuries or are looking for a sporting activity that doesn’t require a lot of running.
‘It’s a game of mental challenges, too,’ says Bron. ‘It’s like a game of chess – well, it is for me. I’m always thinking about what move I can make to make my opponent maneuver the way I want them to.’
Bron says it’s also a great way to get people talking.
‘It’s an easy way to get conversations started because, if nothing else, they talk about what they’ve just done on the table tennis table,’ she says. ‘Then, from that, other conversations grow. You might start talking specifically about the game but then it broadens out. You just never know what comes out of table tennis.’
