1985 North of England vs Chinese Taipei: Match 2 - Donald Parker vs Chu Chung-Yong

In 1985 Chinese Taipei competed in their first ever the Gothenburg World Team Championships finishing first in Category 2 in both the Mens and Womens events. Shortly after they visited the Bolton in the North of England and competed in two representative matches against a North of England side consisting of Donald Parker, Steve Turner, Stephen Scowcroft, Nigel Eckersley, Joy Grundy and Jean Parker.

You may know Donald Parker more for his commentary on ITTF events but back in 1985 Donald was England National Team Manger and Coach. He was also the youngest ever player to play for England when he played in China aged 15 yrs old. Donald started his table tennis career in Preston under the guidance of Jim Clegg and went on to win the Wilmott Cup, the top national team event in England in 1982 with Preston (Donald Parker, Paul Rainford, Steve Turner). In 2019, Donald returned to playing local league play in Preston with his sister Jean Stokes (nee Parker) who also played in for the North of England against Chinese Taipei.

Donald Parker is currently standing for Elected Deputy Chairman of Table Tennis England. This is a bit of background on Donald in his own words

"I was born in Preston in 1956. I studied at Hutton Grammar School and then completed my academic education at Loughborough University, studying Physical Education and Biology.

I am a former international table tennis player at cadet, junior and senior level, having represented England over 200 times. In 1978 I was appointed National Coach by the ETTA and worked within the governing body for 18 years in a variety of performance related positions. The last 10 years as the Technical Director and sole selector.

In 1995 I took up the position of Deputy Technical Director at the British Olympic Association working closely with all Olympic Sports. I later joined the Commonwealth Games Council for England where until recently, acted as its Sports Director. This involved playing a senior role at the last 6 Commonwealth Games and all 6 Commonwealth Youth Games. I served as the European representative on the Commonwealth Games Federation Sports Committee and recently was recognised by being awarded the
Commonwealth Sport Order of Merit.

I have continued to attend events around the country along with my wife Jill, Table Tennis England’s President. I continue to commentate around the globe at international events, including the last 8 Olympic Games and indeed Table Tennis England’s national championships.

This season, I made a playing comeback in the Preston league ….. not very successfully!

I hope that with my background in table tennis and the multi-sport environment, I will be able to contribute to Table Tennis England’s Board. I am hopeful that my skill set, will complement the various skills that are already sat round the current Board table.