STEVENAGE, HERTS – On Monday 09 March, 2026, the Over 50s Black Men Forum (O5BM) Stevenage swapped their usual league play for a historic national mission. Meeting at their regular home, The Oval Community Centre, the group joined enthusiasts across the country to participate in ‘Britain’s Greatest Rally’ and completed 2,450 rallies within 2 hours!!!
The nationwide event, organised by Table Tennis England, saw an incredible 207,343 rallies played in a single day—more than double the original target of 100,000. The initiative was launched to mark the 50-day countdown to the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals, which are coming to London in April 2026. Full details are here – https://www.tabletennisengland.co.uk/news/2026/weve-smashed-it-britains-greatest-rally-serves-up-a-mammoth-total/
Beyond the record-breaking numbers, the event highlighted the vital role O5BM plays in the local area. These Community Table Tennis Centres are more than sports sessions; they operate as community-embedded preventative health hubs, where older Black men engage in regular physical activity, strengthen social connection, and build trust around healthier lifestyles.
Through consistent engagement in culturally safe spaces, these centres contribute to improved cardiovascular health, reduced isolation, and greater awareness of wider health risks. Community-led models like this are an important part of the wider national effort to reduce health inequalities and support active ageing.
O5BM Stevenage continues to meet every Monday from 7:45 pm to 9:30 pm at The Oval Community Centre, Vardon Road, Stevenage, SG1 5RD. The sessions are free, and all abilities—from novices to seasoned pros—are welcome to join.
