by Wiebke Scheffler, ITTF Foundation – Head of Operations
Overall, the ITTF Foundation was nominated in three categories:
…………“Best Corporate Social Responsibility or Community Scheme” for the Buenos Aires – Tokyo Bridging the Olympic Games project and Dream Building with Refugees Za’atari project in Jordan.
…………“Best Sports Governing Body Initiative” for the ITTF Foundation
…………“Best Sports Event of the Year- Overseas” for the annual World Table Tennis Day
In the one year since establishment, ITTF Foundation has sought to build capacity, improve lives and showcase the power and solidarity of table tennis as a sport that breaks barriers. It has promoted the concept of being a catalyst for fostering peace and social cohesion, a sport that improves the health and well-being of individuals regardless of age, physical ability and social status. It is popular, universal and inclusive.
“World Table Tennis Day creates a sense of belonging across the world by encouraging inclusive play; it spreads joy and communalism. Annually, it aims to increase table tennis participation and awareness while aligning our passion to drive positive social change. Table Tennis. For All. For Life.“Thomas Weikert
Also, the International Table Tennis Federation was nominated in the “Best Brand Activation involving Sport” for the 2018 TATA Trickshot Challenge.
The ITTF Foundation received recognition as an organization that is committed and passionate about using table tennis as a tool for peace and sustainable development; empowering local communities and connecting people globally.
Significantly, World Table Tennis Day 2019 celebrations on 6th April, registered an astounding 922 events in 107 countries across the world. The Buenos Aires – Tokyo, Bridging the Olympic Games two year project in Argentina is part of the Foundation’s legacy programme; the Nittaku Dream Building with Refugees in Za’atari is a three year project in Jordan, part of the Dream Building programme that supports humanitarian projects.
“This is a great achievement for us all including our partners, the ITTF Foundation leadership and team as well as for every local organizer who ensures table tennis reaches a bigger and more diverse audience each year. This year was phenomenal, and we owe it to everyone who believes with us, that we are building a better world,” Leandro Olvech
We would like to congratulate all other fellow winners and nominees. Indeed, together we’re creating positive change.