European Para Table Tennis Championships call for duo

The September 4-9 event will be only the second time since the London 2012 Paralympic Games that the stars of the British Para Table Tennis Team have had the opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd.

And the tournament also represents an opportunity for athletes to secure Paralympic qualification with the gold medalist in each singles class earning a ‘golden ticket’ for Paris 2024 and valuable world ranking points available in singles and doubles events.

Two-time Paralympian Facey, from Newham, took time out after Tokyo to pursue a career in cycling but returned to the British Para table tennis team at the end of last year.

“I feel my season has been a bit up and down, but it is good to be back,” said the 28-year-old from Stratford.

“Coming from another sport back to table tennis has been amazing and I’ve really enjoyed it since I’ve been back. I appreciate it more and want to win more and it is all coming naturally and I’m playing better table tennis.

“Italy at the start of the season was a learning curve but every tournament since then I’ve improved given the situation of not playing for a year, so I’m really happy with my performances.

“I’ve taken some top players close although there were some matches where I could have done better but that is sport. I’m looking forward to the European Championships in Sheffield and it is good to have a major championship in the UK. It’s really nice that my friends and family can come along and see what I’ve been doing all my life.”

Facey will also compete in the men’s class 18 doubles with men’s class seven world champion Will Bayley and the mixed class 18 doubles with world doubles champion Grace Williams.

“Will is a big fighter and never gives up,” he added. “It will be interesting because he is class seven and I’m class nine and I’ve never really played with someone in a lower class, but we have a good friendship and hopefully that comes across on the table and we play well together so I’m looking forward to it.”

Chigwell-based Simon, 34, is originally from Leyton and part of the British Para Table Tennis Team Pathway squad, only making his international debut a year ago.

“I was surprised to be selected and it has given me great motivation,” he said.

“The coaches see something in me and sometimes I struggle to see it myself. It gives you renewed energy to know that people who know what they are talking about can see the potential in you. I just need to relax and show it.

“I’m very excited and proud I’ve been given the opportunity to compete in front of friends and family. I’m a bit nervous but that is expected and I’m just going to try the best I can and see what I can do.

“I’m at the stage where it is not really about trying to set myself goals to try and win medals because I’ve still got a lot to learn.”

Simon will also compete in the men’s class four doubles with men’s class one World and Paralympic bronze medalist Tom Matthews.

“At first I was a bit daunted because I didn’t want to let him down,” he admitted.

“Tom is very good at speaking to me during matches and just telling me to relax and focus on my strengths. It helps me to know that even if things are not going well I have someone beside me who has confidence in me and says ‘keep on doing what you’re good at’.

“I need to build off his energy and the more confident I feel the better it will be for both of us.”