Ping to the Pong

Here in Lake Placid, the weather has been less than titillating as of late, however; that has not dimmed the spirits of many aspiring Ping-Pong players at our National Sports Academy. For many years now, NSA has held an all school table tennis tournament and it has become a standing tradition that elicits every sense of school spirit and pride.

As NSA students, we are all weary of our grades, our fragile mental state when considering the pressures of our sport and performance, our peers and our health: all natural feelings when attending this elite school. This constant pressure would eventually take its toll on any individual, no matter how resilient and could lead to certain repercussions in itself. That is why; at NSA we believe adding a hint of Table Tennis to the equation could possibly rectify this fragile issue and add some “ping” to our “pong”.

Table Tennis is a chance for students to socialize whilst relieving themselves of some of the daily stresses. This however valiant in intent is not what actually happens.  As the tournament approaches every waking free moment is dedicated to Ping Pong practice, strategizing and intense mental training.  Alliances are made, friendships are tested, and relationships are strained.

The “ping” in this “pong” is that since all of us are elite, competitive athletes at heart, this tournament itself, becomes an obsessive training opportunity for all participants.  Participants have been seen “pinging” and “ponging” in their sleep, while walking down the corridors from between classes, during their lunch breaks and some, even during their hockey practices.

Many are developing related injuries such as the well known “ping-pong elbow”, “ping- pong-eyetis”, and the dreaded “ping-pong-wristitis”, better known as PPE, PPEY and PPW. The unfortunate few who develop all three painful conditions have what is better known as the PP syndrome (PPS), a dreaded injury that takes its toll. 

The tournament itself, competitive indeed, requires the players to bring their top game to the table. Healthy engagements of Ping Pong occur not only for bragging rights, but a mystery prize as well. Curious students muster every ounce of skill and wit in their possession and hope to achieve victory that will not only instill a sense of pride but for recognition amongst the students as being the top Ping Pong player.