Have-A-Go for Brain Health at North Shore
First nationwide Have-A-Go for Brain Health hits across New Zealand
What a weekend it was!
From 10 to 12 April, the Have-A-Go for Brain Health campaign was held nationwide as part of ITTF World Table Tennis Day.
Even with a cyclone rolling through, participants still came along to give table tennis a go at TTNZ’s first nationwide Have-A-Go for Brain Health campaign.
Despite the challenging conditions, over 220 participants got involved across the country, with strong interest shown through almost 400 registrations. The event in Whanganui had to be cancelled due to the weather, while the rest of the associations went ahead as planned.
Participating associations included Marlborough, Auckland, Manawatu, Waitemata, Counties Manukau, Northland, Southland, South Canterbury, Otago, Canterbury, Waikato, North Shore, and Nelson.
From Northland to Southland, clubs were buzzing with rallies, laughter, and new faces picking up a bat for the first time.
Have-A-Go for Brain Health is all about getting more people picking up a bat, having fun, and discovering how table tennis keeps both the body and mind active.
Noah was the youngest participant at the Have-A-Go session for Brain Health at Auckland
So many new faces on court
One of the best things to see was just how many new people joined in.
Over half of the participants were first-time or new players, showing just how welcoming and accessible table tennis can be.
The Have-A-Go for Brain Health attracted a large number of adults, followed by kids and youth, and then seniors, showing strong interest across all age groups.
Table tennis really is a sport for everyone.
A special moment in Auckland
One of the highlights came from Auckland, where siblings: Marcus (15 years), Arianna (8 years), and Noah (3 years) joined in together.
At just three years old, Noah was the youngest participant at the Have-A-Go session. It was a special moment for him, as it was his dream to be able to play alongside his siblings. Until now, he had not been able to take part, making this experience even more meaningful.
Moments like this show the true impact of creating inclusive and welcoming opportunities for all.
Have-A-Go for Brain Health at Marlborough
Fun, creative, and full of energy
Across the country, associations got creative with how they ran their sessions.
Marlborough Table Tennis Association combined their Open Day with the Have-A-Go event, creating an even bigger opportunity for the local community to come along and get involved.
Waitemata Table Tennis added a fun twist by starting their session with a short yoga warm-up, setting the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
In Marlborough, players moved through different activity stations, from longest rally challenges to multi-ball and mini table games.
Debbie Stratford from Marlbourough shared:
“It was a great night with everyone having an enjoyable time. Lots of fun and a great initiative by TTNZ.”
Otago brought a unique mix of learning and play, with their session led by neuroscientist and coach Liz Franz, supported by coach Ben Duffy.
“It was great to see so many new players of all ages coming along and giving table tennis a try. Who would have thought the body’s hungriest organ is the brain!”
At North Shore, the energy stayed high despite the weather.
Coach Albert Cheng said:
“Despite the wild wind and rain, we still had an amazing turnout. Everyone had a wonderful time.”
That fun, welcoming vibe was felt everywhere.
Have-A-Go for Brain Health at Otago
More than just a sport
This campaign was not just about hitting balls. It was about connection, wellbeing, and showing what table tennis can offer.
John Tuki from Counties Manukau said:
“The concept was strong, the purpose was meaningful… it gave people a chance to experience table tennis as something that supports brain health, wellbeing, and social connection.”
It is a great reminder that our sport can bring people together in many different ways.
Building on the momentum
We are also seeing strong interest in social participation.
Matt Ball from Manawatu shared:
““It’s great to see the strong interest in both the Have-A-Go for Brain Health and Women & Girls sessions. Social participation is an area we have real potential to grow.”
Thank you
A big thank you to the associations, volunteers, and participants who made this happen, especially in tough weather conditions.
A great example of table tennis bringing people together across New Zealand.
We are excited to keep building on this and bringing even more people into the game.
Have-A-Go for Brain Health at Northland
Have-A-Go for Brain Health at Auckland