Margate teen takes on the role of Ping Pong Persuader

Hugo with former sports minister Tracey Crouch

Margate teenager Hugo Ursell hit the news last year when he became England’s youngest  Young Ambassador for Table Tennis England nationally.

A year on he is still busy promoting the sport. He has just launched a campaign on Twitter where he is #pingpongpersuader!

Having already played the Minister for Sport, Tracey Crouch, and been called “inspiring” by Paralympic Gold medallist Ross Wilson, he is now persuading others to play him or just give table tennis a go.

The 15 year old has persuaded North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale to come to his school, St George’s, and take up the challenge on  January 8.

Sir Roger said: “It is many years since I last played table tennis but I am very pleased to present myself to be slaughtered by “Hugo the Ping-Pong Persuader” in the interests of promoting a game that is both good fun and great exercise.

“I`d also like to congratulate Hugo on becoming one of the youngest national ambassadors for Table Tennis in England. That is a  tremendous achievement and one in  which we should all take pride. Thanet this year, the Olympics in 2020 perhaps!”

Hugo said: “I am really happy that Sir Roger is up for my challenge. Whilst I won’t necessarily go easy on him, I am all about making it fun, so I will play some competitive points, but I am just as happy to give Roger some coaching on how to up his game. I want people I persuade to enjoy it and want to play again!”

Hugo has just started his training to become a young coach and plays at Thanet Vikings. Anyone interested in finding out more contact Dave on 07752300664 or [email protected] .

Mr Wood, Head of PE at St George’s, said: “We are very happy to host the event. As a school we promote sport as an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. Hugo is a credit to the school in doing that, and we are very proud of him.”

1 Comment

Comments are closed.