Team Table Tennis Championship To Be Held in Rockford

Growing up, my grandparents had a ping-pong table set up in the basement of their home. I'd wager that 90 percent of the times that we visited I ended up playing a game against my grandfather or dad or brother. I had my favorite paddle and, yes, even my favorite side of the table. Sadly, I haven't played a "competitive" game in a couple of years, at least. So I'd be no match for the pros who are coming to Rockford this weekend for the Sixth Annual America’s Team Table Tennis Championship.

200 of the best table tennis players will compete in a team format at the Forest City Tennis Center on Saturday and Sunday. It's located at the Clock Tower Resort, 7801 East State Street. Competition on Saturday is from 9:00a.m. to 9:00p.m. and on Sunday from 9:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. The best news, of course, is that it's FREE. There is no charge for spectators.

Competitors range from 7 years old to over seventy years of age and come from more than twenty states and 27 countries. The competition is divided into five divisions with the top three finishers in each division earning prize money and awards totaling $10,000.

This is the sixth year for the annual event and the fourth year being held in Rockford. Here's a long clip from last year's competition. These guys are good.