This year’s Women & Girls Tournament in Nelson was more than just table tennis. It was a celebration of connection, laughter, and colour. With over 30 participants joining in, the hall was buzzing with energy, bright shirts, and plenty of smiles.

👯‍♀️ Partners in Crime

Stealing the spotlight in their bright yellow “Buzz” shirts were doubles partners Jane Linn and Sal Randall. With matching outfits and a strong on-table connection, the pair showed that style and teamwork can go hand in hand.

💛 What’s the Buzz About?

The Buzz is more than a shirt – it’s a mission. The Buzz supports young people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), aged 16–30 years, to prepare for work by providing skills-based programmes and community networking opportunities.

Jane isn’t just a table tennis player, she’s also mum to Alfie Linn, one of our Para athletes. Alfie made history by winning bronze at the Virtus Global Games 2023 – New Zealand’s very first medal at this prestigious event. The family’s connection to both Para sport and community initiatives like The Buzz made their bright yellow appearance at the tournament even more meaningful.

💜 Sisters in Style

For Wanita Astle and Kylie Dyer, this was a special occasion. Despite being sisters 10 years apart, the two had never actually played table tennis together before. They decided the Women & Girls Tournament was the perfect time to change that. Kylie even drove all the way down from Canterbury to join her sister in Nelson.

They arrived in matching purple shirts, tights and pink ribbons to celebrate the occasion. Their smiles said it all: it is not just about the competition, but about creating memories and enjoying the game.

✨ The Women & Girls Tournament continues to be about more than rallies and score lines. It is about friendships, creativity and the joy of playing together.