This is my first cache hide, and is placed as a tribute to one of my favorite participatory sports: table tennis (aka Ping Pong). This sport is enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. The club near this cache (west end of the strip mall) has seen players from 5 to 90+ years old.
Table Tennis originated in England in the 1880s, with the first unofficial world championship held in 1902. The common reference "Ping Pong" is actually trademarked - originally by Parker Brothers, now owned by Escalade Sports. (Ping Pong is the brand, Table Tennis is the sport.) Today, table tennis is played everywhere - from basements and garages, to specialized clubs, churches, etc., with tournaments held year round throughout the US and the world.
Rule changes which recreational players may not be aware of: in 2000, the size of the ball was increased from 38mm to 40mm. A more noticeable change affecting scoring was made just a few months later. Games are now played to 11 (rather than 21), with each player serving twice (rather than 5 times under the old rules) before service passes to the opponent. Matches are typically best of 5 games (first player to win 3 games wins the match). Higher level tournament matches are sometimes played to the best of 7 games.
Visitors to the table tennis club at the west end of this strip mall are welcome during open hours, but you do not need to visit the club to claim the cache.
Congratulations to archeoarchaic1939 for FTF!
BYOP