Joe Drennan
Sports Editor

For most people table tennis is something they play to pass time. For Mitch Seidenfeld table tennis gave him a chance to showcase his athletic abilities.

Seidenfeld is not like most people, at 4í-2î heís a little person and enjoyed playing sports like football and soccer growing up, but realized he most likely wouldnít be able to play them competitively very long. Table tennis on the other hand leveled the playing field and he was able to keep playing sports competitively.

ìI began playing table tennis with my father,î Seidenfeld said. ìHe was a social worker and worked with youth programs and was pretty active in lots of recreational games.î

Seidenfeld quickly realized that despite his height, he could still compete with anyone regardless of their size.

ìItís the type of game that doesnít discriminate based on age, size or shape,î Seidenfeld said. ìItís really a fun community activity.î

By the time he was 13 he focused all his attention on table tennis. Playing in Minneapolis city table tennis clubs he learned the tricks of the trade and was able to improve his game as he got older.

Seidenfeldís hard work paid off as he won a world championship in the Netherlands in 1990, represented the U.S. in the Paralympics in Barcelona, Spain in 1992 where he won a gold medal and Athens in 1996 where he won a silver medal. He is also a five time Minnesota state champion where he competed against able-bodied athletes as well.

FL Clinic

Seidenfeld will share his championís secrets to becoming a great table tennis player with the Forest Lake community. Learn all the basic strokes, spins, footwork, and strategies of the Olympic sport.

This clinic will feature tips for improving serves, serve returns, smashes and much more.

ìWeíre going to try and include something for everybody,î Seidenfeld said. ìIf we have some players who are advanced, weíll throw out some advanced techniques, but weíll focus on the basic skills.î

The clinic will be from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, at Southwest Junior High Cafe. Cost for the clinic is $25 per person, with pre-registration required by Wednesday, Jan. 18. Register online at www.communityed4u.org or by phone at 651-982-8110.
Forest Lake Community Education is starting a table tennis league. The league is for players aged 14 to adult and all levels of skill are welcome.

Teenagers, parents and children, couples or friends are encouraged to sign up.

Handicaps will be established and matches will be assigned accordingly. Whether new to table tennis or a veteran of the game, youíll love the fun, fitness, and friendship that come with joining a community table tennis league.

ìOnce people get involved with the league, theyíll get the urge to get better,î Seidenfeld said. ìWhat we want to do is give people the knowledge to get as good as they want to get.î

The league plays from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays from Feb. 2 to April 6. Cost is $49 per person. Pre-registration is required. Register online at www.communityed4u.org or by phone at 651-982-8110.

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Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605