The final of the Durham County Primary Schools Table Tennis Festival takes place tomorrow afternoon at the Dolphin Centre, Darlington where eight schools from across the region will be attempting to become the first annual winners of The Sportsmatch Trophy.
A series of fun-based skill tests that make up the competitive event has proved hugely popular, and teams from St Teresa's (Darlington), Heathfield (Darlington), East Stanley (Derwentside), St Godric's (Durham), Frosterley (Weardale), Cockton Hill (Bishop Auckland), St Wilfrid's (Bishop Auckland) and Millennium (Tow Law) primary schools are all taking part.
During the past six months table tennis has gone into the classroom and qualifying festivals have produced the eight finalists. The scheme, which runs alongside a series of junior tournaments, is sponsored by leading equipment company Jarvis Sports and backed by the government funding scheme Sportsmatch, after which the Primary Schools competition is named.
Darlington Coach Keith Wilson stressed the importance of their joint support: "Sportsmatch is not just a great scheme whereby the government matches pound for pound any new sponsorship. It is also run by an organisation that gets involved and advises on the funding procedure."
Organisers hope to see new young stars emerging from tomorrow's event and join Darlington's growing junior elite squad. Eleven-year-olds David Meads and Mark Simpson have forced their way into the England Under-12 squad after impressing at the English Under-12 Championships.
A big boost for the two youngsters has come in the shape of individual sponsorship deals from Jarvis Sports. Both will receive substantial equipment and clothing support.
Jarvis Sports Marketing Director Rag Thompson said: "David and Mark look destined to reach the top and we look forward to sharing in their future success."
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