{"id":295539,"date":"2026-02-19T12:20:18","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T10:20:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/?p=295539"},"modified":"2026-02-19T12:26:51","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T10:26:51","slug":"kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\/","title":{"rendered":"Kariega schools grow table tennis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>KARIEGA <\/strong>&#8211; Table tennis is steadily gaining ground in Kariega and Despatch, with local coach Julian Horne working to expand participation at both high school and primary school level despite limited resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"988\" data-attachment-id=\"295540\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\/julianhorne_73899\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/JulianHorne_73899-e1771496786279.jpeg\" data-orig-size=\"1200,1158\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"JulianHorne_73899\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Table tennis coach, Julian Horne at the S.A. Table Tennis competition. Photo: Supplied&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/JulianHorne_73899-e1771496786279-1024x988.jpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/JulianHorne_73899-e1771496786279-1024x988.jpeg\" alt=\"Table tennis coach, Julian Horne at the S.A. Table Tennis competition.\" class=\"wp-image-295540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/JulianHorne_73899-e1771496786279-1024x988.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/JulianHorne_73899-e1771496786279-300x290.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/JulianHorne_73899-e1771496786279-768x741.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/JulianHorne_73899-e1771496786279.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Table tennis coach, Julian Horne at the S.A. Table Tennis competition. Photo: Supplied<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Horne said the high schools league is now in its third year. Despatch Table Tennis Club, established in 2010, remains the only club in the region. &#8220;We would like to see more clubs forming through developing the sport at schools level,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ALSO READ:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/decaying-sports-infrastructure-sparks-concerns-in-kariega-despatch\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/decaying-sports-infrastructure-sparks-concerns-in-kariega-despatch\/\">Decaying sports infrastructure sparks concerns in Kariega, Despatch<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To start a programme from scratch, Horne explained that schools do not require top-tier competition equipment, but certain basics are essential. &#8220;For a school to start from scratch, a table or two, nets and entry level competition standard bats and multiple training balls,&#8221; he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He emphasised that tables must be suitable for indoor use. &#8220;The table does not have to be competition standard but must be indoor; outdoor has a much thinner topsheet which is not suitable for training and competition.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a basic start-up, Horne estimates that a table, nets, at least six bats and a set of 100 training balls would cost approximately R12 000. The number of bats required would depend on how many learners wish to participate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond physical fitness, Horne has observed several developmental benefits among learners who play the sport. &#8220;Students who play table tennis show improvements in concentration, problem solving and positive reaction, energy improvement as well as mobility,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Hand and eye co-ordination naturally improves with repetition.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The programme has already produced notable achievements. One learner from Strelitzia High School represented the metro at senior level at the national tournament. A learner from Uitenhage High School was selected to represent the metro at the Steve Biko Games last year. In addition, three Masters (50+ category) players represented the metro at nationals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Horne also highlighted the speed and technical demands of the sport. &#8220;Table Tennis is seen as one of the fastest sports in the world, reaction is milli-seconds, so speed combined with technique and thinking is vital,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking ahead, Horne hopes to establish a primary schools league in the area. &#8220;If Kariega and Despatch can at least have two schools competing in the primary schools league I would be happy for a start,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, challenges remain. Access to a central venue for coaching would be &#8220;really an advantage for students&#8221;, according to Horne. Transport is another persistent difficulty. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He added that Kariega has experienced table tennis players whose guidance could benefit developing learners. As players improve their equipment needs become more specialised depending on individual playing styles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In August and September last year, Horne hosted a three-week coaching programme in conjunction with the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, which attracted more than 30 learners. &#8220;It was just a basic coaching session,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With growing interest and early competitive success, Horne believes that continued community support and school-level development will be key to expanding table tennis in the region.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table tennis in Kariega and Despatch is growing, led by coach Julian Horne, who aims to enhance school participation despite challenges like limited resources and transportation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":295581,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_linkdex":"73","_yoast_wpseo_content_score":"60","_yoast_wpseo_inclusive_language_score":"90","_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_canonical":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-title":"Kariega schools grow table tennis","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-description":"Find out how Kariega schools grow table tennis programs to foster interest and participation in this exciting sport for students.","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image-id":"","newspack_ads_suppress_ads":false,"newspack_sponsor_sponsorship_scope":"","newspack_sponsor_native_byline_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_native_category_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_style":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_placement":"inherit","_crsspst_to_novanewscoza":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozabloemnewsexpress":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozacityvision":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozadistrictmailhelderberg":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaeikestadnuus":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozahermanustimes":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozakomani-karoo":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozakougaexpress":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozamthathaexpress":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozanoordkaapbulletin":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozapaarlpost":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozapeexpress":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozapeoplespost":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaswartlandgazette":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozatygerburger":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozavistanews":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozavrystaatkroon":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaweskusnuus":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaweslander":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaworcesterstandard":false,"_eb_attr":"","_EventAllDay":"","_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":"","_EventShowMapLink":"","_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":"","_EventVenueID":"","_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":"","_VenueShowMapLink":"","_application":"","_batch_id":"","_company_name":"","_company_tagline":"","_company_twitter":"","_company_video":"","_company_website":"","_custom_id":"","_EventDuration":"","_EventOrigin":"","_EventTimezoneAbbr":"","_featured":"","_filled":"","_job_expires":"","_job_location":"","_media_credit":"","_media_credit_url":"","_menu_item_menu_item_parent":"","_menu_item_object":"","_menu_item_object_id":"","_menu_item_target":"","_menu_item_type":"","_menu_item_url":"","_menu_item_xfn":"","_navis_media_can_distribute":"","_navis_media_credit_org":"","_OrganizerOrigin":"","_provider":"","_pum_built_in":"","_pum_default_theme":"","_pum_form_conversion_count":"","_remote_id":"","_remote_name":"","_remote_position":"","_report_frequency":"","_report_reference_dates":"","_send_attempts":"","_site_id":"","_sitemap_exclude":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","_sitemap_priority":"","_source_url":"","_subscription_period":"","_subscription_period_interval":"","_subscription_price":"","_tec_slr_enabled":"","_tec_slr_layout":"","_template_type":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_ticket_start_date":"","_tribe_aggregator_allow_multiple_organizers":"","_tribe_aggregator_content_type":"","_tribe_aggregator_file":"","_tribe_aggregator_finalized":"","_tribe_aggregator_hash":"","_tribe_aggregator_import_id":"","_tribe_aggregator_import_name":"","_tribe_aggregator_interactive":"","_tribe_aggregator_origin":"","_tribe_aggregator_post_status":"","_tribe_aggregator_preview":"","_tribe_aggregator_source_name":"","_tribe_aggregator_type":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_hide_attendees_list":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":"","_tribe_ticket_version":"","_type":"","_VenueOrigin":"","_wp_attachment_context":"","_wp_attachment_image_alt":"","_wp_font_face_file":"","_wp_old_date":"","_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes":"3","_yoast_wpseo_focuskeywords":"","_yoast_wpseo_focuskw_text_input":"","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_block-catalog":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":"1","_yoast_wpseo_primary_job_listing_type":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_nova_retailer":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_publication":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_tribe_events_cat":"","_yoast_wpseo_videositemap-duration":"","_yoast_wpseo_videositemap-rating":"","_menu_item_classes":[],"_tribe_modified_fields":[],"_wp_attachment_backup_sizes":[],"_wp_suggested_privacy_policy_content":[],"_yoast_post_redirect_info":[],"_yoast_wpseo_video_meta":[],"activation_date":"","archive_insertion_is_repeating":"","archive_insertion_posts_count":"","article_feature_media":"1","article_feature_type":"normal","article_main_image_caption":"Table tennis coach, Julian Horne at the S.A. Table Tennis competition. PHOTO: SUPPLIED","article_media_icon":"1","article_template":"news","author_byline":"Shanti Jafta","background_color":"","block_editor":"1","byline":"","cmplz_hide_cookiebanner":"","competition_end_date":"","contact_advertise_email":"","contact_advertise_phone":"","contact_editorial_email":"","contact_general_email":"","contact_general_phone":"","contact_office_hours":"","contact_physical_address":"","enabled":"","featured_image_custom_caption":"","featured_video_url":"","fields":"","font_body":"","font_header":"","frequency":"","headline":"Kariega schools grow table tennis","hide_border":"","icon":"","is_wp_suggestion":"","issuu_download_url":"","issuu_embed_url":"","language_version_url":"","large_border":"","name":"","nm_contact_name":"","nm_contact_number":"","nm_date_lost":"","no_overlay_background":"","node-url":"","obituary_born_date":"","obituary_died_date":"","obituary_memoriam_text":"","origin":"","overlay_color":"","overlay_opacity":"","overlay_size":"","placement":"","plural_label":"","post_author":"","post_id":"","post_language":"en","secret-key":"","sponsored_utm_campaign":"","sponsored_utm_content":"","sponsored_utm_medium":"","sponsored_utm_source":"","sponsored_utm_term":"","start_date":"","utm_suppression":"","video_embed_url":"","wp_pattern_sync_status":"","data_version":[],"enclosure":[],"pongrass_image":["sjSchoolLeague_P1"],"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_newspack_byline_active":false,"_newspack_byline":"","newspack_content_restriction_is_exempt":false,"scaip_prevent_shortcode_addition":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[7903,7874,7909,7923],"newspack_spnsrs_tax":[],"publication":[],"class_list":["post-295539","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-community-highlights","tag-local-news","tag-recommended","tag-school-sport"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.8 (Yoast SEO v27.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Kariega Schools Grow Table Tennis with Limited Resources | UD Express (Uitenhage)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Kariega schools are growing table tennis thanks to Julian Horne&#039;s efforts. Find out how local initiatives are bringing the sport to youth.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Kariega schools grow table tennis\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Find out how Kariega schools grow table tennis programs to foster interest and participation in this exciting sport for students.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"UD Express (Uitenhage)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/PEExpress1\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-02-19T10:20:18+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-19T10:26:51+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/provide-a-photo-of-table-tennis.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"768\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Shanti Jafta\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Kariega schools grow table tennis\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@EP_Media24\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@EP_Media24\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"UD Express\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"3 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"UD Express\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/e204c6259f59eee600a8578c6fc1f4d6\"},\"headline\":\"Kariega schools grow table tennis\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-19T10:20:18+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-19T10:26:51+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":514,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/provide-a-photo-of-table-tennis.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Community Highlights\",\"Local News\",\"Recommended\",\"School Sport\"],\"articleSection\":[\"News\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-ZA\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\\\/#respond\"]}],\"copyrightYear\":\"2026\",\"copyrightHolder\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/#organization\"}},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\\\/\",\"name\":\"Kariega Schools Grow Table Tennis with Limited Resources | UD Express (Uitenhage)\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/provide-a-photo-of-table-tennis.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-19T10:20:18+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-19T10:26:51+00:00\",\"description\":\"Kariega schools are growing table tennis thanks to Julian Horne's efforts. Find out how local initiatives are bringing the sport to youth.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-ZA\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-ZA\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/provide-a-photo-of-table-tennis.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/provide-a-photo-of-table-tennis.jpg\",\"width\":1024,\"height\":768,\"caption\":\"Table tennis is steadily gaining ground in Kariega and Despatch.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"News\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/news\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Kariega schools grow table tennis\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/\",\"name\":\"UD Express\",\"description\":\"To Inform, Engage and Empower Local Communities\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-ZA\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"UD Express\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-ZA\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/uitenhage-despatch-site-icon.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/uitenhage-despatch-site-icon.png\",\"width\":512,\"height\":512,\"caption\":\"UD Express\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/PEExpress1\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/EP_Media24\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/express_newspapers\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/@expressonline3000\\\/videos\"],\"description\":\"UD Express has been the eyes, ears, and voice of the Kariega (formerly Uitenhage) and Despatch communities since 1971, making it the oldest single-title free sheet in South Africa. Established with the goal of keeping our community informed, we have grown into one of the most trusted local news sources in the region, with 30,000 free copies delivered mostly door to door across Kariega, Despatch, and surrounding areas every week.\",\"email\":\"udexpress@novusmedia.co.za\",\"telephone\":\"0+2719925650\",\"legalName\":\"Novus Media (Pty) Ltd\",\"foundingDate\":\"2025-01-01\",\"vatID\":\"4100318916\",\"taxID\":\"2000\\\/018234\\\/07\",\"numberOfEmployees\":{\"@type\":\"QuantitativeValue\",\"minValue\":\"51\",\"maxValue\":\"200\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/e204c6259f59eee600a8578c6fc1f4d6\",\"name\":\"UD Express\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-ZA\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/4337d3a25ac3ba8455c9939374a81adbc30eb5033a750ee59190cfb8f29e6d5d?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/4337d3a25ac3ba8455c9939374a81adbc30eb5033a750ee59190cfb8f29e6d5d?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/4337d3a25ac3ba8455c9939374a81adbc30eb5033a750ee59190cfb8f29e6d5d?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"UD Express\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/udexpress\\\/author\\\/udexpress\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Kariega Schools Grow Table Tennis with Limited Resources | UD Express (Uitenhage)","description":"Kariega schools are growing table tennis thanks to Julian Horne's efforts. Find out how local initiatives are bringing the sport to youth.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Kariega schools grow table tennis","og_description":"Find out how Kariega schools grow table tennis programs to foster interest and participation in this exciting sport for students.","og_url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\/","og_site_name":"UD Express (Uitenhage)","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/PEExpress1\/","article_published_time":"2026-02-19T10:20:18+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-02-19T10:26:51+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1024,"height":768,"url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/provide-a-photo-of-table-tennis.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Shanti Jafta","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_title":"Kariega schools grow table tennis","twitter_creator":"@EP_Media24","twitter_site":"@EP_Media24","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"UD Express","Est. reading time":"3 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\/"},"author":{"name":"UD Express","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/#\/schema\/person\/e204c6259f59eee600a8578c6fc1f4d6"},"headline":"Kariega schools grow table tennis","datePublished":"2026-02-19T10:20:18+00:00","dateModified":"2026-02-19T10:26:51+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\/"},"wordCount":514,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/provide-a-photo-of-table-tennis.jpg","keywords":["Community Highlights","Local News","Recommended","School Sport"],"articleSection":["News"],"inLanguage":"en-ZA","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\/#respond"]}],"copyrightYear":"2026","copyrightHolder":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/#organization"}},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\/","url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\/","name":"Kariega Schools Grow Table Tennis with Limited Resources | UD Express (Uitenhage)","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/provide-a-photo-of-table-tennis.jpg","datePublished":"2026-02-19T10:20:18+00:00","dateModified":"2026-02-19T10:26:51+00:00","description":"Kariega schools are growing table tennis thanks to Julian Horne's efforts. Find out how local initiatives are bringing the sport to youth.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-ZA","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-ZA","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/provide-a-photo-of-table-tennis.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/provide-a-photo-of-table-tennis.jpg","width":1024,"height":768,"caption":"Table tennis is steadily gaining ground in Kariega and Despatch."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/kariega-schools-grow-table-tennis\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"News","item":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/news\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Kariega schools grow table tennis"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/#website","url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/","name":"UD Express","description":"To Inform, Engage and Empower Local Communities","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-ZA"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/#organization","name":"UD Express","url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-ZA","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/uitenhage-despatch-site-icon.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/uitenhage-despatch-site-icon.png","width":512,"height":512,"caption":"UD Express"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/PEExpress1\/","https:\/\/x.com\/EP_Media24","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/express_newspapers\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@expressonline3000\/videos"],"description":"UD Express has been the eyes, ears, and voice of the Kariega (formerly Uitenhage) and Despatch communities since 1971, making it the oldest single-title free sheet in South Africa. Established with the goal of keeping our community informed, we have grown into one of the most trusted local news sources in the region, with 30,000 free copies delivered mostly door to door across Kariega, Despatch, and surrounding areas every week.","email":"udexpress@novusmedia.co.za","telephone":"0+2719925650","legalName":"Novus Media (Pty) Ltd","foundingDate":"2025-01-01","vatID":"4100318916","taxID":"2000\/018234\/07","numberOfEmployees":{"@type":"QuantitativeValue","minValue":"51","maxValue":"200"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/#\/schema\/person\/e204c6259f59eee600a8578c6fc1f4d6","name":"UD Express","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-ZA","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4337d3a25ac3ba8455c9939374a81adbc30eb5033a750ee59190cfb8f29e6d5d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4337d3a25ac3ba8455c9939374a81adbc30eb5033a750ee59190cfb8f29e6d5d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4337d3a25ac3ba8455c9939374a81adbc30eb5033a750ee59190cfb8f29e6d5d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"UD Express"},"url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/author\/udexpress\/"}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/provide-a-photo-of-table-tennis.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":267071,"url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/local-head-boy-among-elite-14-finalists-for-prestigious-award\/","url_meta":{"origin":295539,"position":0},"title":"Local head boy among elite 14 finalists for prestigious award","author":"Shanti Jafta","date":"18 September 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Uitenhage High School's head boy Vindry Horne is a finalist in the prestigious Matriculant of the Year Competition, showcasing excellence in academics, sports, culture, and leadership.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Vindry Horne (18) has secured a place among the top 14 finalists in the 44th Matriculant of the Year competition.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG_7935_39244-e1758180319542.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG_7935_39244-e1758180319542.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG_7935_39244-e1758180319542.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG_7935_39244-e1758180319542.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG_7935_39244-e1758180319542.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":267752,"url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/decaying-sports-infrastructure-sparks-concerns-in-kariega-despatch\/","url_meta":{"origin":295539,"position":1},"title":"Decaying sports infrastructure sparks concerns in Kariega, Despatch","author":"Shanti Jafta","date":"30 October 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Kariega's and Despatch's sports facilities are increasingly neglected, impacting athletes and allegedly contributing to rising crime rates, prompting calls for urgent maintenance and community support.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Ward 48 councillor, Franay van der Linde at the abandoned Jubilee Stadium Park Sport Field.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/WhatsAppImage2025-10_70799.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/WhatsAppImage2025-10_70799.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/WhatsAppImage2025-10_70799.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/WhatsAppImage2025-10_70799.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/WhatsAppImage2025-10_70799.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]}],"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"UD Express (Uitenhage)","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/295539","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=295539"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/295539\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/295581"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=295539"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=295539"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=295539"},{"taxonomy":"newspack_spnsrs_tax","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/newspack_spnsrs_tax?post=295539"},{"taxonomy":"publication","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/publication?post=295539"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}