INAS GLOBAL GAMESBrisbane Table Tennis Club is undergoing a major redevelopment in preparation for being a key venue in the International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (INAS) Global Games to be in held in Brisbane this October.
The INAS has confirmed that the table tennis competitions at the 2019 Global Games will be recognised by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and be a ranking event for 2020 Paralympic qualification for the first time.
The INAS Global Games table tennis competition will be held at the Brisbane Table Tennis Centre from 13th to 18th October 2019.The INAS Global Games will see more than 1,000 competitors from 80 countries attending the largest competition for athletes with an intellectual impairment.
“ITTF is very happy to establish a long-term cooperation with INAS and this approval of the Global Games is an awesome first step. Intellectually impaired athletes are the biggest population in numbers inside Para sport and their progressive integration is totally consistent with our “Table tennis for all” values. I am sure that Brisbane will witness a great competition in October and athletes will enjoy the quality they deserve,” said Steve Dainton, Chief Executive Officer of the International Table Tennis Federation.
In preparation of the INAS competition Brisbane Table Tennis has commenced its next stage of the Centre's redevelopment.
The project will see the long-awaited installation of a three-level lift, as well as renovation of the changing rooms, improved accessibility in all areas of the centre and improved court lighting.
These various upgrades will see the centre become truly of a world-class standard for table tennis.
The redevelopment is being funded primarily by Brisbane City Council, with a contribution from BTTA towards the energy efficiency and lighting upgrades.
Peter Lander, Brisbane Table Tennis Association President said “This project will bring the Brisbane Table Tennis Centre into the 21st century, with all areas of the centre being accessible to all users. Once all works are completed, we hope to see increased participation from wheelchair users in our centre and the lift will be a positive benefit for many of our more senior members.
On behalf of the Association, I would like to thank Brisbane City Council for its ongoing support and for making this project possible, something we could never have done on our own.”
Work on the project began in May 2019 and works are planned to be completed by the middle of July 2019 in time for the Brisbane Open 2019 as well as the INAS Global Games.
