Anyone for (table) tennis?
Shoppers, workers and commuters will soon be able to take a break by indulging in a spot of ping pong.
A collection of 58 "stop and play" table tennis tables will appear at various unusual sites in Leicester as part of a project to promote the sport.
The city has been chosen as one of eight in the UK to host Ping 2012.
Locations such as St Margaret's bus station, the Highcross shopping centre, parks and a temple are among those that will take part.
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Under the scheme, tables and sets of bats and balls will be available at sites for four weeks from Saturday, June 30.
To announce the news yesterday, Special Olympics table tennis champion Patrick Cox went back to his former school, English Martyrs, in Beaumont Leys, to take on pupils and teachers.
The 17-year-old, of Blaby, said: "It is great to be involved in Ping 2012 so that anyone can get to have a go at table tennis.
"I love the game and it was fun to be given this opportunity to spread the message to youngsters in my home city."
Year 12 pupil Tom Pickwell, 17, who runs a table tennis club at the school, said it was "fantastic" to see a champion in action.
He said: "It was brilliant to watch him play. I was able to get a close look and was able to pick up a few tips to improve my own game.
"We get 30 pupils at the club so we are hoping this visit might give us a boost in numbers."
School principal Marius Carney said: "I think that putting all those table tennis tables around the city is a marvellous idea.
"It is wonderful to welcome someone such as Patrick to the school so he can inspire the pupils."
Councillor Piara Singh Clair, assistant city mayor responsible for sport and leisure, said: "It is wonderful that Leicester has been chosen to host Ping 2012.
"Table tennis is a great sport for all ages and Ping will be a huge hit with people looking for a fun way to get active this summer."
Ping 2012 has been organised by a non-profit making sports promotion company, Sing London, in partnership with the English Table Tennis Association.
A programme of Ping events will run throughout the four-week festival, offering coaching, competitions, picnics and other fun ways to encourage people to have a go at table tennis.
Mike Smith, development officer at the Leicester and District Table Tennis League, said: "Bringing Ping to Leicester will be an opportunity for people to have a go at table tennis and enjoy this sport during the Olympic summer."
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