National Para Squad Camp
Table Tennis New Zealand Honoured National Para Squads at Shirt Presentation
The event brought together athletes, coaches, families, and supporters to recognise the dedication and commitment of Para athletes from across New Zealand. Athletes proudly received their New Zealand team shirts from Olympian #554 Barry Griffiths, one of New Zealand's most respected table tennis figures and a former international representative.
For many athletes, receiving a New Zealand team shirt was a special recognition of the journey they have taken and the dedication they have shown to the sport.
The following athletes attended the National Para Squad Camp and proudly received their New Zealand team shirts during the shirt presentation on 27 June 2026:
National Para Squad
- Tim Johnson (Counties Manukau)
- James Goulding (Counties Manukau)
- Sarah Clarke (Waikato)
- Cadence Grant (Bay of Plenty)
- Bhakti Patel (Counties Manukau)
National Emerging Talent Para Squad
- Matt Hall (Counties Manukau)
- John Marrable (Otago)
- Grant Cleland (Canterbury)
- Mark Liddle (Waikato)
- Liam Hogan (Counties Manukau)
- Mark Gladney (North Taranaki)
- Joshua Rae (Canterbury)
- Alfie Linn (Nelson)
- Luke Atchinson (Counties Manukau)
- Joseph Pennalligen (Counties Manukau)
- Jerry Zeng (Counties Manukau)
National Para Squad members: Matthew Britz and Jai Waite were unable to attend the camp and shirt presentation.
James Goulding and Olympian #554 Barry Griffiths at the 2026 National Para Squad Shirt Presentation.
Leading the Way for New Zealand Para Table Tennis
Among those recognised at the shirt presentation was James Goulding, who has played a significant role in helping New Zealand Para table tennis gain recognition on the international stage.
In 2023, he made history by winning a silver medal in the Men's Seated Singles at the Pacific Games, becoming the first New Zealand table tennis player to win a medal at the Games.
His achievement was a landmark moment for New Zealand Para table tennis and demonstrated that Kiwi athletes can compete successfully on the international stage.
Speaking at the shirt presentation, Goulding reflected on the growth of Para table tennis in New Zealand.
"Special thanks to Table Tennis New Zealand. Over the last few years our sport has only got better and better. We hope that our athletes will continue to compete at the highest level, and I am so proud to be wearing this shirt."
Sarah Clarke and Olympian #554 Barry Griffiths at the 2026 National Para Squad Shirt Presentation.
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A Welcoming and Supportive Community
For Sarah Clarke, table tennis has provided far more than competition.
Sarah's journey began through the Serve, Spin, Smash programme in Waikato. She later attended the Waikato Open as one of her first competitions, where she met Para Coach John Tuki. Within minutes, he had introduced her to several other Para athletes, making her feel immediately welcomed into the Para table tennis community.
The warm reception left a lasting impression. What started as an introduction at a tournament quickly became a network of friendships, encouragement, and support.
While many people see table tennis as an individual sport, Sarah believes the people around the sport make it something much bigger.
"Table tennis is known to be an individual sport, but to me it is a team sport because of the community around it."
Sarah's experience highlights the strong sense of belonging that exists within the Para table tennis community, where athletes support each other both on and off the table.
Jerry Zend and Olympian #554 Barry Griffiths at the 2026 National Para Squad Shirt Presentation.
First National Squad Selection for Jerry Zeng
The National Emerging Talent Para Squad includes several athletes who are taking important steps along the Para pathway.
One of them is Jerry Zeng, the youngest member of the squad and a player from Manurewa Table Tennis Club.
Being selected for a national squad for the first time was a proud moment for Jerry, who thanked Table Tennis New Zealand, Manurewa Table Tennis Club, and his coaches John Tuki and Jillie Phongpiyawit for their support and guidance.
"This is the first time I have been part of a squad and I am very grateful."
Jerry finished his speech on a light hearted note, sharing one more personal wish with the audience.
"I also hope I grow taller soon."
His comments brought smiles and laughter from fellow athletes, coaches, and supporters, highlighting the positive and welcoming atmosphere of the camp and shirt presentation.
Celebrating Achievement and Opportunity
The shirt presentation recognised athletes at different stages of their Para table tennis journeys, from experienced international competitors to emerging players beginning to make their mark.
It was also a celebration of the ongoing growth of Para table tennis in New Zealand and the pathways being created for athletes to develop, compete, and represent their country.
Congratulations to all athletes named in the National Para Squad and National Emerging Talent Para Squad. Their dedication, perseverance, and passion for the sport continue to inspire the wider table tennis community.
National Para Squad and National Emerging Talent Para Squad athletes celebrated their New Zealand team shirt presentation alongside family members, coaches, supporters, and members of the Para table tennis community.