Nyack Students Use Ping Pong for Charity

Ping pong in Nyack and soccer in Nicaragua may seem a far cry from similar, but the two will have a distinct connection come Thursday, May 19.

Playing for Purpose, a non-profit organization based in Nyack, aims to equip impoverished kids in Nicaragua with some basic necessities for fitness and fun—soccer balls and accessories. On May 19, Playing for Purpose will host a ping pong tournament at in conjunction with the Students Opposing Starvation (S.O.S.) club, which will put on an ice cream social.

Nyack high schoolers Josh Kayden, Jonah Grob, Jesse Yanko and Lucas Ruderman began Playing for Purpose.

"I've been to Nicaragua several times, and my father wrote his dissertation there," Grob explained.

"We like to go in person, eventually, and distribute the supplies," Kayden added.

The group is only about six months old, but they've already shipped one care package down south. The contents? Two pumps, three pairs of shin guards, 10 soccer balls and 26 pairs of cleats, Kayden said.

The boys noted ping pong was an easy choice for a theme—it'll bring their classmates, no problem. Those interested are encouraged to sign up quick.

"We're filling up fast," Grob said. "We already have 16 people on board."

The price to compete is $10 for students and $25 for adults; the table tennis starts at 6:30 p.m. at Nyack High School. To play non-competitively or spectate, the price tag is $5. For more information, visit the group's Facebook page.