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Former table tennis coach Alan Woolven, 90, shows he's not took old to enjoy the Olympics at his Sittingbourne care home
06:00, 08 August 2021
A former table tennis coach has served up a frenzy by using the Tokyo Olympic Games to get others in his care home active.
Alan Woolven lives at Woodstock residential care home in Sittingbourne and has been using his knowledge of the sport to inspire others to get into the Olympic spirit.
The 90-year-old has travelled to China and Los Angeles as a table tennis guru but has recently turned to encouraging residents at the Woodstock Road site to get active.
Alan has spent around 70 years playing the sport, a passion he passed on to his daughter. He spent many years watching her at tournaments up and down the country.
He went on to coach youngsters after gaining his coaching certificates from Table Tennis England.
Although he slowed down when he moved to the care home, staff says the Olympics in Tokyo has "reignited his passion" as he has been offering tips to fellow residents.
He said: “Table tennis has been such a huge part of my life. It’s been so refreshing to see others take an interest in something that I have loved.
'Practising as much as possible is key'
"So, with the summer games well under way, I thought it would be nice to get everyone in the Olympic spirit.
“I’ve enjoyed watching the likes of Paul Drinkhall and Liam Pitchford progress through the opening rounds, though I’ve also been following China’s world number one Zhendong Fan with keen interest.
"He is certainly the one to beat.”
Alan, who opened up his own sporting shop in Tunbridge Wells after retiring from table tennis has offered many ace tips to his fellow residents.
He said: “Practising as much as possible is key. You must concentrate on your serve. Returning the ball is just as important if you want to improve your game.
“However, what matters most is getting enjoyment out of it and engaging with another mind, gaining a unique perspective into an opponent's strengths and weaknesses."
He added: "I'd like to think I’ve converted a few residents into sharing my love for the sport.”
In February, residents and staff at the care home completed 100 laps of their dining area in memory of Captain Sir Tom Moore.
