Proclaiming April 23, 2026, to Be "World Table Tennis Day" in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, World Table Tennis Day is celebrated worldwide on April 23. Each year registered events take place in over 90 countries as a celebration of the Olympic racket sport which is one of the most popular participation sports in the world; and

WHEREAS, World Table Tennis Day has been celebrated each year since 2015, bringing together people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities in a spirit of fellowship, recreation, and social connection; and

WHEREAS, Table tennis is a uniquely accessible sport that can be played in schools, homes, community centers, parks, senior centers, and recreation facilities, and can be enjoyed by beginners and elite athletes alike; and

WHEREAS, The sport has excelled in diversity and inclusivity with largely coed competitive events, an active senior circuit, a strong paralympic presence, and events in the Special Olympics; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island has a long history of influence within American table tennis, including one of the oldest clubs in the US which has been running tournaments and leagues in the State continuously since the 1930s; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island has a robust table tennis community, with an annual high school championship, active college programs, and players of all ages and abilities who enjoy the health benefits and enjoyment of playing the sport; and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Table Tennis Association actively supports the community through annual fundraising events, the Senior Olympics, and the RI High School Championships; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby declares April 23, 2026, to be "World Table Tennis Day" in the State of Rhode Island and encourages all Rhode Islanders to take advantage of the health benefits and camaraderie of playing this enjoyable sport; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly authorized copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Table Tennis Association.