As far back as we can remember, we have always played table tennis in Saint-Etienne-de-Tulmont. First in the public school courtyard then in the town hall wedding hall. In 1977, ping became official with the creation of the Atout Stéphanois (with the later addition of the word table tennis to avoid the connotation with card games). There were three friends behind the founding of the club: Jacques Bénech, Jean Delbouys and Henry Delbrel. Jacques became the first president effectively assisted by his wife Rosette, Jean with a strong character was also a formidable competitor, Henry devoted a large part of his life to the club, his “baby”. They were joined by Jean-François Pages, now the only witness of this era. Driven by the enthusiasm of the musketeers, the project for a room entirely dedicated to table tennis was born in 1989. These installations, rare in the department, still make Saint-Etienne today one of the best municipalities equipped. Prosperous years followed following the merger with the ASPTT of Montauban and the addition of a good level of staff. The best club in the department, ASTT developed up to three teams at the regional level in the 1990s. Today, the club has fifty-five members, it is the third training club in the department. Jean-Pierre Martelli, president since 2002, welcomed the families of the founding members and former members in the presence of Mayor Eric Massip during a warm ceremony. Jean-François Pagès, unfortunately absent, transmitted a moving message before the relatives of the Musketeers unveiled the commemorative plaque which commemorates the friendship between Jacques, Jean and Henry and their passion for table tennis under the Saint-Etienne colors. They will not be forgotten.
