When table tennis was first introduced to the AIMS Games in 2014, one person was there to guide its growth from the very beginning. For more than a decade, John Lea served as code co-ordinator, helping the sport secure its place in what is now New Zealand’s biggest sporting event for 11 to 13-year-olds.

John’s push to include table tennis came after seeing the positive impact the Games had on his own children in other sports. “I started lobbying the AIMS Games Trust for table tennis to be included… it took two or three years for us to make it,” he recalls. From that point, his commitment never wavered.

For TTNZ, the AIMS Games became a chance to introduce more young people to the sport. The approach was to promote inexpensive equipment into schools and provide coaching support to teachers and parents. This not only encouraged children to enjoy table tennis socially, but also gave smaller schools a pathway into competitive sport.

Reflecting on the rhythm of the week, John explained:
“AIMS week has very different days. The first day is teams, and is all about getting everybody used to match formats, umpiring and etiquette, and finding ways to keep things moving to a schedule. The Tuesday is the most relaxed day and often concluded with a coaching course. Wednesday is always full on, with every player there for singles. To make it a great experience, everyone gets at least two matches in knockouts through consolation events, and players are asked to umpire the next match at their table if they lose. Doubles day is Thursday and much the same, but with a lot more people in the stadium at any one time. Friday is finals day. In the earlier years this was truly a highlight, as some of the schools gathered large groups from other sports to barrack for their players. The atmosphere was wonderful and enjoyable.”

Over the years, AIMS week became a highlight on the TTNZ calendar. From the excitement of team day to packed stadiums for singles and doubles, and the buzz of finals day with schools cheering their players on, John made sure every participant had a positive and lasting experience.

“The end objective of AIMS Games table tennis is unchanged,” John said. “We want to inspire every participant to want to play more table tennis, because they had a great experience there.”

Today, table tennis at the AIMS Games remains a key fixture on the TTNZ calendar. TTNZ thanks John Lea for his tireless dedication to table tennis at the AIMS Games for over a decade.