"The tournament is not the World Championships, and it's definitely not the Olympics, but it occupies a special place in the world of high-level table tennis in the Americas."
"Nobody gets paid, and nobody plays for all that much, either. Players receive neither prize money, world ranking points, nor international tournament qualifications; most teams pay their own way."
"Everyone shows up for love of the game—and they play and administrate it ferociously."
"As the first of three days began, hundreds of flat-soled shoes and tacky rubbers sent the sport's characteristic pops, clicks, stomps, and squeaks into the rafters."
The NCTTA National Championships in Rockford attracts over 250 athletes from more than 50 schools. The event features state-of-the-art facilities and is organized by volunteers. Athletes compete in seven events, including men's and women's singles and doubles, and a new format called PeakaPong. Despite its scale, the tournament is not as prestigious as the World Championships or Olympics. Participants play for love of the game, with no prize money or world ranking points awarded, highlighting the community spirit of table tennis.
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